thiram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/ˈθʌɪram/US/ˈθaɪˌræm/

Technical/scientific

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Quick answer

What does “thiram” mean?

A synthetic compound (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) used primarily as an agricultural fungicide and seed disinfectant.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A synthetic compound (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) used primarily as an agricultural fungicide and seed disinfectant.

A broad-spectrum dithiocarbamate fungicide that also has applications in the rubber industry as a vulcanization accelerator and in animal repellents.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant spelling or usage differences; term is identical in both varieties.

Connotations

Neutral technical term in both varieties.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general discourse; appears only in highly specialized contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “thiram” in a Sentence

[Noun] + thiram + [Noun]thiram + is/are + [Past Participle]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
apply thiramthiram fungicidethiram treatmentseed treated with thiram
medium
containing thiramexposure to thiramthiram-basedthiram residues
weak
thiram concentrationthiram toxicitythiram compound

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Discussed in agricultural supply, chemical manufacturing, and regulatory compliance contexts.

Academic

Appears in chemistry, agriculture, toxicology, and environmental science research papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation unless discussing professional gardening or farming.

Technical

Standard term in agrochemical labelling, material safety data sheets, and scientific literature.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “thiram”

Strong

TMTDtetramethylthiuram disulfide

Neutral

fungicideseed disinfectant

Weak

dithiocarbamateagricultural chemical

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “thiram”

organic fungicidebiocontrol agentuntreated seed

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “thiram”

  • Mispronouncing as /ˈθɪrəm/ or /θaɪˈræm/
  • Misspelling as 'thyram', 'thiran', or 'thirame'.
  • Confusing it with similar-sounding common words like 'theorem' or 'thermal'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Thiram is a professional-grade chemical requiring proper handling. Home use is not recommended without training and protective equipment due to toxicity risks.

No, its use is crop-specific and regulated. Always follow label instructions and local regulations, as some crops are sensitive or have legal restrictions.

Pure thiram has a characteristic sulfur-like or garlic-like odour, which is often masked in formulated products.

Thiram is a fully synthetic (man-made) chemical compound and is not permitted in certified organic agriculture.

A synthetic compound (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) used primarily as an agricultural fungicide and seed disinfectant.

Thiram is usually technical/scientific in register.

Thiram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθʌɪram/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθaɪˌræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • none

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'THIs RAM (male sheep) needs a fungicide treatment' -> thiram is used to treat seeds/plants.

Conceptual Metaphor

PROTECTION IS A CHEMICAL SHIELD (thiram forms a protective barrier against fungal pathogens).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Before sowing, the seeds were coated with to prevent fungal infections during germination.
Multiple Choice

In which industry is thiram NOT commonly used?