Antifeedant is a term that is commonly used in the field of agriculture and pest control. It refers to a substance that is used to deter pests from feeding on plants. Antifeedants are often used as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, as they are less harmful to the environment and do not leave harmful residues on crops.
Definitions
Antifeedant is defined as a substance that inhibits or deters feeding by insects or other herbivores. It is a type of chemical compound that is used to protect crops from pests and other predators.
Origin
The term antifeedant comes from the Latin word “anti” which means against, and “feedant” which means feeding. The term was first used in the field of agriculture and pest control in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antifeedant is defined as “a substance that deters feeding by insects or other herbivores.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a chemical or biological agent that inhibits or deters feeding by insects or other herbivores.”
Associations
Antifeedants are commonly associated with natural pest control methods, as they are often derived from plant extracts or other natural sources. They are also associated with sustainable agriculture practices, as they are less harmful to the environment than chemical pesticides.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antifeedant include deterrent, repellent, and inhibitor.
Antonyms
Antonyms of antifeedant include attractant, feeding stimulant, and phagostimulant.
The same root words
The root words of antifeedant are “anti” and “feedant.” Other words that contain these same root words include antifeed, antifeeders, antifeeding, and antifeedings.
Example Sentences
- The farmer used an antifeedant spray to protect his crops from pests.
- The antifeedant properties of neem oil make it an effective natural pesticide.
- Scientists are researching new antifeedants that are less harmful to the environment than traditional pesticides.