ETYM Old Eng. benigne, bening, Old Fren. benigne, French bénin, fem. bénigne, from Latin benignus, contr. from benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. Related to Bounty, and Genus.
1. Of disposition or manner.
2. Pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; SYN. benignant.
Term used to describe a non-cancerous growth, such as a polyp.
It is also applied to any medical condition which is not actually harmful to the patient.