noun
- a tropical woody climbing plant of the pea family, some species of which contain rotenone and are used to make insecticides
Usage: botanical
Examples
- Derris root has been used as a natural pesticide for centuries.
- The farmer applied derris powder to protect his crops from insects.
- Several species of derris are native to Southeast Asia.
- Traditional fishermen used derris to stun fish in shallow waters.
- The active compound in derris is toxic to many insects but relatively safe for mammals.