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n. 1. a. A Eurasian perennial plant (Tanacetum coccineum) in the composite family, cultivated for its colorful flower heads and formerly used as a source of an insecticide. Also called painted daisy. b. A closely related perennial plant (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), commercially cultivated as the source of an insecticide. 2. An insecticide made from the dried flower heads of any of these plants. [Latin, pellitory (Anacyclus pyrethrum), from Greek purethron, from pūr, fire (from its warming effect); see PYRETIC.] |
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