What is the definition of an adjuvant?

An adjuvant is defined as a chemical that enhances the effectiveness of another pesticide. These substances are added to pesticide formulations to improve various characteristics such as spreading, adhesion, penetration, or reducing drift. By altering the properties of the pesticide, adjuvants can help ensure that the active ingredients are more efficiently utilized, leading to better pest control outcomes. They play a crucial role in maximizing the efficacy of the pesticide application and can make it easier for the pesticide to reach the intended target, whether that be a plant, a pest, or a surface.

To further clarify why this is the correct definition, other options refer to concepts that do not match the role of an adjuvant. Some options suggest harmful properties or other unrelated functions, such as altering soil composition or describing the active ingredients of a pesticide, which do not involve the enhancement of pesticide effectiveness specifically.