In the following, “does not cause” seems to be clear negation, and total negation requires “or”, therefore:
The widget does not cause deformities or cracks
However, it is unclear to me whether the following types of words and phrases are strong enough in negation to enable an “or” to clearly express total negation.
For example:
The widget leaves a product:
without X or Y
free from X or Y
lacking X or Y
Questions:
Would, for example, “. . . without X or Y” above unambiguously mean “having no X and having no Y”?
What is the term for this class of words and phrases and are there other common members of the group?
nor
in place ofor
removes the ambiguity.