cancer

noun

can·cer | \ ˈkan(t)-sər

Definition of cancer

1 capitalized

a : a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo

b(1) : the fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology — see Signs of the Zodiac Table

(2) : one born under the sign of Cancer I'm a Taurus, but my best friend is a Cancer.

2 [ Latin, crab, cancer ]

a : a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis

b : an abnormal bodily state marked by such tumors

3 : something evil or malignant that spreads destructively the cancer of hidden resentment — Irish Digest

4a : an enlarged tumorlike plant growth (such as that of crown gall)

b : a plant disease marked by such growths

Other Words from cancer Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about cancer

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Did You Know?

The Latin word cancer, meaning “crab,” was also given as a name to several diseases. One of the diseases was the abnormal, spreading mass of tissue we call a tumor. A possible explanation for this extended use of cancer is that the Romans thought some tumors looked like many-legged crabs. A French descendant of this Latin word was borrowed into English as canker. It is now applied to several plant and animal disorders. In the 14th century the Latin word cancer in the sense of “tumor” was borrowed directly into English, giving us our modern spelling and sense.

Examples of cancer in a Sentence

He was diagnosed with cancer. She learned that she has cancer. Eating certain foods may help reduce the risk of cancer. Advanced cancers are more difficult to treat. I'm a Taurus, but my best friend is a Cancer.

Recent Examples on the Web

His personal physician, Francesco Antommarchi, performed the autopsy, which revealed unmistakable signs of stomach cancer. — Maude Campbell, Popular Mechanics, "The Complete History of the Autopsy," 26 Dec. 2018 Investigators looked for heavy metals and markers for carcinogens that could raise the risk of cancer. — Rachel Becker, The Verge, "Is vaping better than smoking? Scientists studied pee to find out," 14 Dec. 2018 The results showed that morning larks had a lower incidence of breast cancer. — Cathleen O'grady, Ars Technica, "Being a morning person might have some health advantages," 12 Nov. 2018 Beverly McClellan, a finalist from Season 1 of The Voice, has died of cancer. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'The Voice' Star Beverly McClellan Has Died of Cancer at 49," 1 Nov. 2018 The appearance comes six weeks after the late senator passed away following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer on August 25. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Meghan McCain Returned to The View With a Tearful Thank You to Fans," 8 Oct. 2018 The Divinyls lead singer Chrissy Amphlett died of breast cancer in 2013, notes Elle. — Elizabeth Logan, Allure, "Serena Williams Goes Topless to Sing "I Touch Myself" for Breast Cancer Awareness," 1 Oct. 2018 Photo: iStock/Getty Images A few years ago, Carlos told me his wife was suffering from breast cancer. — Bob Brody, WSJ, "Requiem for a Doorman," 16 Dec. 2018 In what may be the best Christmas gift ever, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has reportedly been discharged from the hospital following surgery to remove lung cancer. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Been Released from the Hospital Following Lung Cancer Surgery," 26 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cancer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.