terminator seed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized term)Technical, formal
Quick answer
What does “terminator seed” mean?
A genetically modified seed designed to be sterile after harvest, preventing farmers from replanting it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetically modified seed designed to be sterile after harvest, preventing farmers from replanting it.
Refers to seed technology that limits reproduction, often used in contexts of agricultural patents, GMO debates, or metaphorically for things that end a cycle or process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; both regions use the term similarly in technical contexts.
Connotations
Often negative due to ethical concerns about farmer dependency and biodiversity loss.
Frequency
More frequent in academic and technical discourse than in everyday language; similar usage in both UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “terminator seed” in a Sentence
Noun phrase: the terminator seedVerb + object: plant terminator seedsAdjective + noun: controversial terminator seedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terminator seed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company plans to terminator-seed the fields to protect patents.
- Farmers may be restricted from terminator-seeding saved crops.
American English
- The firm will terminator-seed the crops to enforce licensing.
- Growers cannot terminator-seed without approval.
adverb
British English
- The seeds were modified terminator-seedly to ensure sterility.
- He argued terminator-seedly against the practice.
American English
- The crops grow terminator-seedly under controlled conditions.
- She spoke terminator-seedly about the ethical issues.
adjective
British English
- The terminator-seed technology is under review.
- They discussed terminator-seed regulations in parliament.
American English
- Terminator-seed patents are controversial in the US.
- The terminator-seed policy affects agricultural exports.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agribusiness for discussing patent strategies and crop management.
Academic
Common in biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Rare; mostly in news or debates about GMOs.
Technical
Standard term in genetic engineering and agricultural research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terminator seed”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “terminator seed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terminator seed”
- Using 'terminator seed' to refer to any genetically modified seed.
- Mispronouncing as 'terminator' with stress on the second syllable.
- Confusing it with herbicide-resistant seeds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A terminator seed is a genetically modified seed that produces sterile plants, meaning farmers cannot reuse seeds from the harvest.
They are controversial because they can force farmers to buy new seeds each season, raising concerns about cost, biodiversity, and corporate control over agriculture.
Legality varies by country; some nations ban or restrict them due to ethical and environmental concerns, while others allow them under patent laws.
They can negatively impact small-scale farmers by increasing costs and reducing seed sovereignty, as farmers lose the ability to save and replant seeds.
A genetically modified seed designed to be sterile after harvest, preventing farmers from replanting it.
Terminator seed is usually technical, formal in register.
Terminator seed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜːmɪneɪtə siːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɜːrmɪneɪtər siːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms; related to 'seed of destruction' or 'terminating cycle'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'terminator' as ending something and 'seed' as starting life—this seed ends its own life cycle after harvest.
Conceptual Metaphor
Technology as a tool for control over nature, or life cycle as a terminable process.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a terminator seed?