malathion

English

Etymology

From a trade name.

Noun

malathion (countable and uncountable, plural malathions)

1. An organophosphorus insecticide, Diethyl [(dimethoxyphosphinothioyl)-thio]butanedioate.

   "Although effective in degrading pesticides with P-O bonds, washing of the vegetables sprayed with the thiolester organophosphate insecticide malathion with the enzyme did not yield any improved degradation."

   • 1983, D. E. Kaukeinen, Vertebrate Pest Control and Management Materials, page 102:

     Ecoparasite control, with appropriate concentrations of carbaryl, malathion, or pyrethrin dusts, is permissible if the agent is applied externally to both test and control animals not less than seven days prior to the start of the test.

Synonyms

• carbophos
• maldison
• mercaptothion