lethal

Plurallethals

1. 1
   adjective

   Strong enough to kill or cause death.

   Like a poison that is strong enough to kill.

   The snake's bite can be lethal if it is not treated.

   Mixing those two cleaners makes a lethal gas.

   Similardeadly, fatal, mortal

   Oppositeharmless, nonlethal, safe, innocuous

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A weapon that can kill someone.

   Like a gun or a knife: something made to kill.

   The robber pulled out a lethal and waved it at the clerk.

   Officers found three lethals hidden in the trunk of the car.

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A type of gene that causes the living thing carrying it to die.

   Like a hidden fault built into a seed that stops the plant from ever growing up.

   A single lethal can wipe out part of a litter before birth.

   Breeders try to avoid pairing animals that carry the same lethals.

   Note
4. 4
   noununcountable

   A white, crystal-like solid alcohol made from a waxy substance found in whales.

   Like candle wax: a smooth white solid you can melt.

   The chemist melted a small amount of lethal in the flask.

   Lethal feels waxy and smooth between the fingers.

   Note

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