1
: an abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation
called also neoplasm
2
: a swollen or distended part
… houses that bulged with the tumors and warts of … ornamental architecture …—
W. A. White
W. A. White
Examples of tumor in a Sentence
the scan showed a small tumor in her abdomen
Recent Examples on the Web
Abnormalities in the plasma cells grow out of control and can form tumors in people with multiple myeloma.1
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but experts believe that genetic changes play a role.
—Barbara Brody, Health, 9 June 2024
Her research on the interplay between tumors and immune cells also has helped scientists better understand how to fight viral infections and chronic diseases.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Eye muscle surgery is not a way to treat double vision or crossed eyes that result from neurological issues like a stroke or a brain tumor.
—Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
Shield detects colorectal cancer by detecting DNA shed by tumors in blood samples.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tumor 
Barbara Brody, Health, 9 June 2024
Her research on the interplay between tumors and immune cells also has helped scientists better understand how to fight viral infections and chronic diseases.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Eye muscle surgery is not a way to treat double vision or crossed eyes that result from neurological issues like a stroke or a brain tumor.
—Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 1 June 2024
Shield detects colorectal cancer by detecting DNA shed by tumors in blood samples.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tumor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tumor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tumor
Cite this Entry
“Tumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumor. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tumor
noun
tu·mor
ˈt(y)ü-mər 
: an abnormal mass of tissue that arises from normal tissue cells and serves no useful purpose in the body
tumorous
adjective
ˈt(y)üm-(ə-)rəs
Medical Definition
tumor
noun
tu·mor
variants
or chiefly British tumour
: an abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation see cancer sense 1, carcinoma, sarcoma
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