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del·e·te·ri·ous .del-ə-'tir-ē-əs adj harmful often in a subtle or an unexpected way <the \deleterious effects of radiation and chemotherapy on the marrow (Christine Gorman)> <\deleterious genes>
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del·e·te·ri·ous (del″ə-tērґe-əs) [Gr. dēlētērios] hurtful; injurious.Medical dictionary. 2011.