What is a chemical formulated to kill weeds called?

A chemical formulated to kill weeds is specifically called an herbicide. Herbicides are designed to target and eliminate unwanted plants, especially those that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and light. They function by disrupting the normal growth processes of plants, thereby controlling or killing them without directly harming desirable plants when used appropriately.

In the context of agriculture and gardening, using the correct terminology is essential to avoid misapplication. While other chemical classifications exist, such as fungicides, pesticides, and insecticides, each has a different primary function. Fungicides target fungi, pesticides can refer to a broad range of pests including insects and weeds, and insecticides specifically kill insects. Therefore, understanding that herbicides are distinct from these other chemicals reinforces the specificity needed in pest management and agricultural practices.