deleterious

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WOTD - 13 November 2007

[edit] English

From Ancient Greek δηλητήριος (deleterios, “noxious, deleterious”), from δηλητήρ (“a destroyer”), from δηλέομαι (“I hurt, damage, spoil, waste”).

deleterious (comparative more deleterious, superlative most deleterious)

harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way (as for example deleterious effects, deleterious to health).
- 1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter - Chapter XV:
  
  Or might it suffice him, that every wholesome growth should be converted into something deleterious and malignant at his touch?

harmful