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