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Benign - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Benign : adj
1: not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive
(especially of a tumor) [ant: malignant]
2: pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; "a benign
smile"; "the benign sky"; "the benign influence of pure
air" [syn: benignant] [ant: malign]
3: of disposition or manner; "the benign ruler of millions";
"benign intentions"
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Benign : \Be*nign"\, a. [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F.
b['e]nin, fem. b['e]nigne, fr. L. benignus, contr. from
benigenus; bonus good _ root of genus kind. See Bounty, and
Genus.]
1. Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous;
favorable; benignant.
Creator bounteous and benign. --Milton.
2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor,
etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.
Kind influences and benign aspects. --South.
3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.
Syn: Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable
salutary; gracious; liberal.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Benign : Benign: Not cancer. Not tumor does not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor may grow but it stays put (in the same place).
In a general sense, "benign" means of a mild character that does not threaten health or life. Floaters in the eye are benign. They have no significant effect on vision.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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