herbicides

[/ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪdz/]
nounpl: herbicides
herbicidas
1. Chemical substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants (weeds)
The farmer applied herbicides to control weeds in the cornfield.
O agricultor aplicou herbicidas para controlar as ervas daninhas na plantação de milho.
2. Agricultural chemicals designed to destroy specific plant species without harming crops
Modern herbicides are designed to be selective and target only certain weed species.
Os herbicidas modernos são projetados para ser seletivos e atingir apenas certas espécies de ervas daninhas.
3. Products containing active ingredients that disrupt plant metabolism and growth
Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used in agriculture worldwide.
Os herbicidas à base de glifosato são amplamente utilizados na agricultura em todo o mundo.
Herbicides are central to modern agricultural practices in Brazil, particularly in the soy, corn, and sugarcane industries. The use of herbicide-resistant genetically modified crops (particularly Roundup Ready soybeans) has been highly significant in Brazilian agribusiness since the late 1990s. In the USA, herbicide use is similarly widespread, though there has been increasing debate about environmental and health impacts, particularly regarding glyphosate-based products. The term is more commonly used in agricultural and scientific contexts than in everyday conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
weedkillersplant killersvegetation control agentsphytotoxic agents
Antonyms / Antônimos
fertilizersplant growth promotersherbaceous plants

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
herbicidas
Standard usage in agricultural contexts across Brazil
São Paulo
herbicidas
Common in agribusiness discussions; region is major agricultural producer
Mato Grosso
herbicidas
Heavy usage in soy and grain production regions
Portugal
herbicidas
Same term used; European agricultural practices may differ slightly in application

Related Words

pesticidesinsecticidesfungicidesweedsagricultureagronomycrop management

Related Idioms & Phrases

spray herbicides
apply herbicides
herbicide-resistant crops
selective herbicides
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