PYRETHRUM Meaning and
Definition
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Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide derived from the dried flower heads of certain chrysanthemum plants, primarily Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum. It has been used for centuries in various cultures due to its potent pest-control properties.
As a noun, pyrethrum refers to the powdered or liquid form of this insecticidal substance. It contains a group of chemicals called pyrethrins, which are responsible for its insecticidal effects. Pyrethrins work by attacking the nervous systems of insects, causing paralysis and death. They are particularly effective against flying insects and are commonly used to control mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and moths.
Pyrethrum is widely used in organic gardening and farming due to its natural origin and relatively low environmental impact compared to synthetic insecticides. It is considered safe for humans and most mammals, but it can be toxic to aquatic organisms and cats. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using pyrethrum near water sources or areas frequented by cats.
In addition to its insecticidal properties, pyrethrum has also been used as a natural remedy for various ailments in traditional medicine. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. However, more scientific research is needed to validate these claims.
Common Misspellings for PYRETHRUM
- oyrethrum
- lyrethrum
- -yrethrum
- 0yrethrum
- ptrethrum
- pgrethrum
- phrethrum
- purethrum
- p7rethrum
- p6rethrum
- pyeethrum
- pydethrum
- pyfethrum
- pytethrum
- py5ethrum
- py4ethrum
- pyrwthrum
- pyrsthrum
- pyrdthrum
Etymology of PYRETHRUM
The word "pyrethrum" comes from Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "purēthron" (πυρήθρον), which means "feverfew", a type of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Pyrethrum refers specifically to the dried flower heads of certain Chrysanthemum species, which are used as a source of insecticidal compounds called pyrethrins. The name was likely given to these flowers due to their historical use in repelling insects, especially as a natural insecticide.
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