DEET (also known as N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, N,N Diethyl 3 methylbenzamide): A compound used as a topical insect repellent that may cause irritation to eyes and mucous membranes, but not to the skin.

NIH MeSH · D003671Chemicals and Drugs

DEET

Also known asN,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide · N,N Diethyl 3 methylbenzamide · N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide · N,N Diethyl m toluamide · N,N-Diethyltoluamide · N,N Diethyltoluamide · DET · DETA · N,N-Diethyl-2,5-dimethylbenzamide · DEET, 2,5-di-Me-Analog · R-209 · R209

Definition

A compound used as a topical insect repellent that may cause irritation to eyes and mucous membranes, but not to the skin.

MeSH classification

  • D02.065.277.194
  • D02.241.223.100.100.230
  • D02.455.426.559.389.127.085.230

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Common questions about DEET

What does DEET mean in medicine?
A compound used as a topical insect repellent that may cause irritation to eyes and mucous membranes, but not to the skin. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is DEET known by any other names?
Yes. DEET is also referred to as N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, N,N Diethyl 3 methylbenzamide, N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, N,N Diethyl m toluamide in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does DEET sit in the medical classification?
DEET falls under the broader medical category "Chemicals and Drugs" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: D02.065.277.194, D02.241.223.100.100.230, D02.455.426.559.389.127.085.230). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of DEET?
For a plain-language explanation of DEET - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about DEET" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D003671) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗