cancerous

adjective

can·​cer·​ous ˈkan(t)-s(ə-)rəs How to pronounce cancerous (audio)
1
: affected with cancer
a cancerous lung
a leprous or cancerous manJ. G. Frazer
2
: of or relating to cancer : constituting a cancer
a cancerous indication
a cancerous tumor
3
: like a cancer
the months of spreading cancerous distrustJean Stafford
if we consider only the sordid aspects of urban life the American city of the period seems a cancerous growthA. M. Schlesinger, born 1888
cancerously adverb

Word History

Etymology

cancer + -ous

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cancerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancerous. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cancerous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!