Defoliant

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

Definitions of defoliant

noun a chemical spray or dust applied to plants to cause their leaves to fall off

Example Sentences

A1 The defoliant was used to remove leaves from the trees.

A2 Farmers sprayed defoliant on the crops to increase sunlight exposure.

B1 The defoliant caused controversy due to its environmental impact.

B2 The military used defoliant to clear vegetation in combat zones.

C1 Scientists are studying the long-term effects of defoliant exposure on human health.

C2 International treaties have been established to regulate the use of defoliants in warfare.

Examples of defoliant in a Sentence

formal The defoliant sprayed on the crops helped increase the yield by preventing weed growth.

informal The defoliant they used on the lawn made it look so much neater.

slang I heard they're using some heavy-duty defoliant on that new golf course.

figurative The defoliant of truth stripped away the layers of deception to reveal the raw reality.

Grammatical Forms of defoliant

• past tense: defoliated
• plural: defoliants
• comparative: more defoliant
• superlative: most defoliant
• present tense: defoliates
• future tense: will defoliate
• perfect tense: has defoliated
• continuous tense: is defoliating
• singular: defoliant
• positive degree: defoliant
• infinitive: to defoliate
• gerund: defoliating
• participle: defoliating

Origin and Evolution of defoliant

First Known Use: 1945 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'defoliant' originates from the Latin word 'defoliare', which means to strip of leaves.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a botanical context to refer to the process of stripping leaves from plants, the term 'defoliant' gained prominence during World War II when chemical agents were developed for military use to strip leaves from trees and vegetation for tactical purposes. Over time, the word has come to be associated with the use of such chemicals in warfare and agriculture to remove foliage.