paraquat

noun

para·​quat ˈper-ə-ˌkwät How to pronounce paraquat (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
: a highly toxic contact herbicide containing a salt of a cation [C12H14N2]2+

Examples of paraquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wei claims she was exposed to herbicides that included paraquat dichloride, glyphosate and oxyfluorfen, which have been linked to cancer. — David K. Li, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2025 Several other testifiers pointed to the link that has increasingly been made between paraquat and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. — Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026 Farmworkers are at particular risk, which has led the EPA to require special training for certified applicators of paraquat. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 Previous studies have already linked chemicals found in pesticides including paraquat and rotenone to neurodegeneration, according to the study. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for paraquat

Word History

Etymology

para- + quaternary

First Known Use

circa 1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paraquat was circa 1961

Rhymes for paraquat

See All Rhymes for paraquat

Browse Nearby Words

paraquadrate
paraquat
para-quinone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paraquat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraquat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

paraquat

noun
para·​quat ˈpar-ə-ˌkwät How to pronounce paraquat (audio)
: an herbicide containing a salt of a cation [C12H14N2]2+ that is used especially as a weed killer and that is extremely toxic to the liver, kidneys, and lungs if ingested

More from Merriam-Webster on paraquat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paraquat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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