What does "deleterious" mean?

The term "deleterious" means harmful or injurious. It is often used to describe something that causes damage or has negative effects, particularly in health or environmental contexts. For instance, exposure to certain chemicals can have deleterious effects on human health, leading to illnesses or other adverse conditions.

The correct choice accurately reflects this meaning, emphasizing the detrimental impact associated with the term. The other options suggest meanings that are the opposite of harmful, focusing instead on positive effects or stability, which do not align with the definition of "deleterious".