Adjective

(en adjective)

Causing much harm in a subtle way.

* 1911 , ,

Puritanism no longer employs the thumbscrew and lash; but it still has a most pernicious hold on the minds and feelings of the American people.

Causing death or injury; deadly.

Adjective

(en adjective)

Widespread or preferred.

*{{quote-magazine, date=2013-03

, author=David S. Senchina , title=Athletics and Herbal Supplements , volume=101, issue=2, page=134 , magazine= citation , passage=Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent .}}

Superior in frequency or dominant.

*{{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-22, volume=407, issue=8841, page=70, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= Engineers of a different kind , passage=Private-equity nabobs bristle at being dubbed mere financiers.