/ ɪˈnɒkjuəs; NAmE ɪˈnɑːk-/ adjective ( formal )
1.
not intended to offend or upset anyone
SYN harmless :
It seemed a perfectly innocuous remark.
2.
not harmful or dangerous :
an innocuous substance
SYN harmless
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from Latin innocuus , from in- not + nocuus injurious, from nocere to hurt.