What does parasiticide mean?
A parasiticide is any substance or agent used to kill parasites. The term is especially common in veterinary and agricultural contexts, where products may be applied to control lice, mites, ticks, intestinal worms, or other organisms that live on or inside animals. It can also be used in human medicine for conditions involving parasites, particularly external infestations. Unlike the more general term "pesticide," a parasiticide identifies its target more precisely, although some products may also have insecticidal effects. The word is primarily technical and is often found in medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical, and pest-control literature. In general writing, "parasite treatment" or "parasite-killing product" may sound more accessible when no specialized distinction is required.
nounA substance or agent used to destroy parasites, especially parasites living on or inside humans or animals.
- A substance or agent that kills parasites, especially parasites living on or inside humans or animals.
"The veterinarian recommended a topical parasiticide to treat the infected area."
"The veterinarian recommended a topical parasiticide to treat the infected area."
"Regular use of the parasiticide helped control lice among the livestock."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several parasiticides are approved for treating lice in children."
Parasiticides range from familiar treatments for lice to veterinary products used against serious infections in animals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parasiticide come from?
The word is formed from the Greek-based term "parasite," meaning an organism that lives on or at the expense of another, together with the combining form "-cide," from Latin "caedere," meaning "to kill." It entered English in the early 20th century alongside related chemical and medical terminology such as "insecticide" and "fungicide."
Related word forms
How parasiticide is actually used
The term is primarily used in veterinary, medical, agricultural, and pest-control contexts. In general usage, it is more formal and technical than the broader term "pesticide."
Easily confused with parasiticide
An insecticide is designed to kill insects, whereas a parasiticide may act on a wider range of organisms, including mites, lice, and internal parasites.
An anthelmintic specifically treats or kills parasitic worms, while a parasiticide is a broader term that can also refer to products acting against external parasites.