glyphosate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Technical, Scientific, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “glyphosate” mean?
A systemic herbicide and crop desiccant used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A systemic herbicide and crop desiccant used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses.
The world's most widely used broad-spectrum herbicide, often genetically modified crops. It is also the active ingredient in products like Roundup. Its extensive use and environmental/health implications have made it a subject of significant public and scientific debate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage patterns may vary slightly with regulatory discussions specific to the EU/UK vs. US.
Connotations
Identical high-profile connotations related to agricultural policy, Monsanto/Bayer, and cancer lawsuits in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical and journalistic contexts in both regions due to the global nature of the controversy.
Grammar
How to Use “glyphosate” in a Sentence
[NP] banned/voted on/phased out glyphosate.The [NP] contains/is resistant to glyphosate.Scientists studied/researched the effects of glyphosate on [NP].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glyphosate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The field was glyphosated before sowing.
American English
- They plan to glyphosate the right-of-way next week.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- Glyphosate-resistant crops are commonplace.
American English
- The glyphosate lawsuit resulted in a massive settlement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of agricultural supply chains, crop yields, patent litigation (e.g., Bayer-Monsanto), and shareholder concerns.
Academic
Papers in environmental science, toxicology, agronomy, and public health debating its efficacy, environmental persistence, and carcinogenic potential.
Everyday
Discussions about gardening, organic food, news reports on lawsuits or regulatory decisions.
Technical
Specifications for agricultural application, soil chemistry analysis, genetic modification for crop resistance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glyphosate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glyphosate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glyphosate”
- Misspelling: 'glyphosphate' (incorrect – it is not a phosphate).
- Pronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈɡlaɪfəseɪt/) instead of the second (/ɡlaɪˈfoʊseɪt/).
- Using 'glyphosate' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a glyphosate') – it is a mass noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Glyphosate is the active chemical ingredient. Roundup is a brand-name herbicide product that contains glyphosate along with other compounds.
It is controversial due to conflicting scientific studies about its potential to cause cancer in humans and its environmental impact on soil health and non-target species.
Yes, alternatives include other synthetic herbicides (with their own profiles), organic herbicides (e.g., acetic acid), and non-chemical methods like crop rotation, mulching, and mechanical weeding.
Yes, it is used on many conventional crops like soy, corn, and wheat, often as a 'desiccant' to dry them before harvest. This can lead to residues in food.
A systemic herbicide and crop desiccant used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses.
Glyphosate is usually formal, technical, scientific, journalistic in register.
Glyphosate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡlʌɪˈfəʊseɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡlaɪˈfoʊseɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GLYcine' + 'PHOSphonate' = GLYPHOSATE. It's a chemical that 'phosphorylates' glycine, helping you remember its scientific name root.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD (enables high-yield farming but potentially harms health/environment). THE INVISIBLE THREAT (a chemical residue not seen by the naked eye).
Practice
Quiz
Glyphosate is primarily used as a: