adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ de-l ə - ' tir- ē - ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek d ē l ē t ē rios, from d ē leisthai to hurt
Date: 1643
: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way < deleterious effects> < deleterious to health>
synonyms see PERNICIOUS
– del · e · te · ri · ous · ly adverb
– del · e · te · ri · ous · ness noun