metastasis

me·tas·ta·sis

noun \mə-ˈtas-tə-səs\

plural me·tas·ta·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of METASTASIS

1

a : change of position, state, or form b : the spread of a disease-producing agency (as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body; also : the process by which such spreading occurs

2

: a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis

— met·a·stat·ic \ˌme-tə-ˈsta-tik\ adjective

— met·a·stat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of METASTASIS

New Latin, from Late Latin, transition, from Greek, from methistanai to change, from meta- + histanai to set — more at stand

First Known Use: 1663

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