Pertaining to or causing death; denoting especially the causal agent. [L. letalis, fr. letum, death]
- genetic l. a disorder that prevents effective reproduction by those affected; e.g., Klinefelter syndrome.
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le·thal 'lē-thəl adj of, relating to, or causing death <a \lethal injury> also capable of causing death <\lethal chemicals> <a \lethal dose>
le·thal·ly adv
lethal n
1) an abnormality of genetic origin causing the death of the organism possessing it usu. before maturity
2) LETHAL GENE
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le·thal (leґthəl) [L. lethalis] 1. fatal. 2. see under mutation.Medical dictionary. 2011.