Algicide

/ˈæl.dʒɪ.saɪd/ noun

Definition

A chemical substance or treatment used to kill or destroy algae growth in water, pools, or other aquatic environments.

Etymology

From Modern Latin 'alga' (algae) combined with Latin 'caedere' (to kill), forming a compound meaning 'algae-killer.' The term became common in the 20th century as pool and water treatment became widespread.

Kelly Says

Pool algicide works by disrupting the photosynthesis process that algae need to survive, but interestingly, some of the most powerful algicides are actually derived from natural compounds that aquatic plants use to compete with algae for sunlight.

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