[be.nign] adj [ME benigne, fr. MF, fr. L benignus, fr. bene + gignere to beget--more at kin] (14c) 1: of a gentle disposition: gracious "a ~ teacher"
2. a: showing kindness and gentleness "~ faces" b: favorable, wholesome "a ~ climate" 3 a: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life "a ~ tumor" b: having no significant effect: harmless "environmentally ~" -- be.nig.ni.ty n -- be.nign.ly adv