nocuous

American  

[nok-yoo-uhs] / ˈnɒk yu əs /

adjective

1. likely to cause damage or injury; harmful; noxious.

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nocuous British  

/ ˈnɒkjʊəs /

adjective

1. rare harmful; noxious

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Other Word Forms

• nocuously adverb
• nocuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of nocuous

First recorded in 1625–35; < Latin nocuus “harmful, injurious,” equivalent to noc(ēre) “to harm, hurt” + -uus adjective suffix; -ous

Example Sentences

It’s the first time my mother has ever asked me that question, and I know that she is lovingly unaware of its ramifications as a nocuous cliche, despite its power as a racist stereotype – that of an overly assertive, hands on hips, neck swiveling, emasculating black woman, and which immediately undermines the validity of any strong views she might express.

From The Guardian

It looks flat, decorative and in nocuous � until one notices that the gleaming "stroke" of red-sprayed met al, lying flat on the floor, could also be the reaping blade of a scythe.

From Time Magazine Archive

An in nocuous substitute to the amendment was approved by a voice vote.

From Time Magazine Archive

The time has passed for hysteria, and national introspection should determine which particular fibre of our national morality was so sick as to permit this alarming infestation by the nocuous creature.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is perhaps nothing nocuous in his creed, as he expressed it in a formal interview: "I hope … poetry … is reflecting faith … in God and His Son and the Holy Ghost."

From Project Gutenberg