Main Entry:

pes·ti·lent

Pronunciation:

\-lənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin pestilent-, pestilens pestilential, from pestis

Date:

14th century

1 : destructive of life : deadly 2 : injuring or endangering society : pernicious 3 : causing displeasure or annoyance 4 : infectious, contagious <a pestilent disease>

— pes·ti·lent·ly adverb