spermicide

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (such as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
spermicidal adjective

Examples of spermicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This might include external condoms, internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. Elizabeth Boskey, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2023 Eight states already require health plans to cover, without a prescription or copayment, at least one contraceptive method sold over the counter, such as condoms or spermicide, said Tara Mancini, director of public policy at Power to Decide, an advocacy group that has analyzed state laws. Politifact Staff Writer, Dallas News, 21 July 2023 According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, spermicide is only 28% effective when used alone. Emily Shiffer, Parents, 14 June 2023 The second type of IUD is made with copper, which is a natural spermicide. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 The fibers can also release spermicide and other chemicals. Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 5 Dec. 2012 There are many factors that can impact women getting UTIs, including the use of specific contraceptives like condoms with spermicide and lubricants. Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 10 May 2023 It’s made out of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate—food-grade ingredients that, the company and ob/gyns say, are less irritating than the chemicals in spermicides. Maria Aspan, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2023 Part of the wiggle room in how insurers and PBMs interpret the Affordable Care Act has to do with an outdated FDA chart, known as the Birth Control Guide, which lists different birth-control methods, such as pills, IUDs, and spermicides. Maria Aspan, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spermicide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermicide was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near spermicide

Cite this Entry

“Spermicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermicide. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsid How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm

Medical Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm

called also spermatocide

More from Merriam-Webster on spermicide

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