1. A synthetic organophosphate insecticide used to control agricultural pests; also known as phosvel.
Usage: technical; chemistry/agriculture; largely phased out in many countries due to toxicity concerns

Examples

• Leptophos was widely used as an insecticide on cotton crops during the 1970s and 1980s.
• The chemical leptophos belongs to the organophosphate family of pesticides.
• Regulatory agencies restricted leptophos use after studies revealed potential health risks.
• Farmers applied leptophos to control bollworms and other agricultural pests.
• The manufacture and sale of leptophos have been banned or severely limited in many developed nations.