1. chemical substances used to remove leaves from plants or trees
Usage: often used in military or agricultural contexts

Examples

• The military used defoliants to clear dense jungle vegetation.
• Agent Orange was one of the most notorious defoliants used during the Vietnam War.
• Farmers sometimes apply defoliants to cotton plants before harvesting.
• Environmental groups protested the use of defoliants near residential areas.
• The long-term effects of defoliants on soil quality are still being studied.
• Scientists developed safer defoliants that break down more quickly in the environment.