What is define deleterious?

Deleterious is an adjective that describes something that has adverse effects or harmful consequences. It is typically used to describe something that can cause damage, injury, or negative effects on living organisms, ecosystems, or the environment. Deleterious factors can include environmental pollutants, harmful chemicals, infectious agents, and other harmful substances. The term is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as in biology, ecology, medicine, and environmental science, to describe the negative impacts of various factors on biological systems. Examples of deleterious effects could include pollution causing respiratory problems, pesticides killing beneficial insects, or climate change disrupting ecosystems.