Entry Word: growth

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an abnormal mass of tissue <found a growth on the dog's neck under her collar>

Synonyms excrescence, lump, neoplasm, tumor

Related Words outgrowth; cancer, carcinoma, lymphoma, malignancy, melanoma; cyst, tubercle, wart

2 the act or process of going from the simple or basic to the complex or advanced <the growth of the gambling industry into an economic mainstay in some locations> — see development 1
3 the process of becoming mature <her thoughts and behavior certainly demonstrate just how much emotional growth took place last summer> — see maturation