Definition of "fumigant" [fu•mi•gant]

• A chemical compound used in its gaseous state as a pesticide or disinfectant. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "[A fumigant called MIDAS] was approved by EPA during the Bush administration despite the protests of many independent scientists, who sent a petition citing significant health concerns. ..."
• "We also learn that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved methyl iodide for use as a fumigant in December of last year."
• "But if that wasn't enough, now the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is about to approve yet another dangerous chemical to be used as a soil fumigant for strawberry crops: methyl iodide."