Deleterious
Deleterious
Deleterious (/dɛlɪˈtɪəriəs/) is an adjective used in the field of medicine and biology to describe something that has a harmful effect. The term is often used to describe substances, conditions, or behaviors that can cause damage or injury.
Etymology
The term "deleterious" originates from the Greek word "δηλητήριος" (dēlētērios), meaning "destructive" or "deadly". It was first used in English in the mid-17th century.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, "deleterious" is often used to describe substances or behaviors that can cause harm to the body. For example, smoking is often described as a deleterious behavior because it can lead to a variety of health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease. Similarly, a deleterious gene or mutation is one that has a negative impact on the organism's health or survival.
Related Terms
- Mutagen: A physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations.
- Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
- Toxic: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree to which a substance can damage an organism.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deleterious
- Wikipedia's article - Deleterious
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