adjective
- occurring or applied before emergence, especially before plants emerge from soil
Usage: agricultural; botanical
Examples
- The farmer applied preemergent herbicide to prevent weeds from sprouting.
- Preemergent treatments are most effective when applied before seeds germinate.
- The gardener used a preemergent fertilizer in early spring.
- Preemergent weed control saves time and effort later in the growing season.
- This preemergent product creates a barrier in the soil.
- Apply the preemergent chemical before the first warm weather arrives.