Definition of innocuous

The word "innocuous" has its roots in the Latin words "in" meaning "not" and "nocere" meaning "to do harm". The word was first used in the 15th century to describe something that does not cause harm or does not pose a threat. The term is likely derived from the notion that something which does not cause harm is harmless, or "non-nocent". During the 17th century, the term gained popularity and began to be used in English to describe things that were not only harmless but also innocently so. Over time, the definition of "innocuous" expanded to include not only the absence of harm but also a lack of malicious intent. Today, the word "innocuous" is often used to describe something that poses no threat, is harmless, and is free from any malicious or harmful intent.