1. Plural of metaldehyde; chemical compounds formed by the polymerization of acetaldehyde, used as pesticides (especially slug and snail baits) and as solid fuel.
Usage: chemistry; agriculture

Examples

• Metaldehydes are commonly used in garden products to control slugs and snails.
• The farmer applied metaldehydes to protect the crops from pest damage.
• Some countries have restricted the use of metaldehydes due to environmental concerns.
• Metaldehydes can be found in both liquid and pellet formulations for pest control.
• The chemical composition of metaldehydes makes them effective as solid fuels in camping stoves.