noxious

nox·ious

adj \ˈnäk-shəs\

Definition of NOXIOUS

1

a : physically harmful or destructive to living beings <noxious waste> b : constituting a harmful influence on mind or behavior; especially : morally corrupting <noxious doctrines>

2

: disagreeable, obnoxious

— nox·ious·ly adverb

— nox·ious·ness noun

Examples of NOXIOUS

1. <mixing bleach and ammonia can cause noxious fumes that can seriously harm you>
2. <noxious smog that for years has been encrusting the historic cathedral with soot>

Origin of NOXIOUS

Middle English noxius, from Latin, from noxa harm; akin to Latin nocēre to harm, nec-, nex violent death, Greek nekros dead body

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to NOXIOUS

Synonyms: insalubrious, noisome, unhealthy, sickly, unhealthful, unwholesome

Antonyms: healthful, healthy

Related Words: germy, insanitary, unhygienic, unsanitary; nonnutritious; poisonous, toxic; fatal, lethal, mortal

Near Antonyms: hygienic, sanitary; nutritious

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at pernicious

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra