What phrase would best define a pesticide formulation?

A pesticide formulation refers to the specific combination of active ingredients along with other substances that a manufacturer adds to create a usable product. The active ingredients are the chemicals responsible for the pesticide's effectiveness in controlling pests, while the additional ingredients, often termed inert or formulants, serve various purposes such as enhancing stability, improving absorption, or aiding application. This formulation plays a crucial role in determining the product's overall performance and safety.

Choosing only active ingredients would overlook the importance of the other components that contribute to the efficacy and usability of the pesticide. Similarly, considering only inert ingredients ignores the vital role that active ingredients play in pest control. Furthermore, defining a pesticide as merely a chemical compound isolated from nature does not capture the complexities of how these substances are prepared and utilized in an actual pest control setting. Thus, the definition that encompasses both active and other added ingredients accurately reflects what a pesticide formulation truly is.