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Definition of canker
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1) : an erosive or spreading sore
(2) : an area of necrosis in a plant also : a plant disease characterized by cankers Citrus canker is caused by bacteria.
b : any of various disorders of animals marked by chronic inflammatory changes
2 archaic : a caterpillar destructive to plants
4 : a source of corruption or debasement
suspicion is a canker that … will consume and waste all love— R. Sibbes
canker
verbDefinition of canker (Entry 2 of 2)
1 obsolete : to infect with a spreading sore
2 : to corrupt the spirit of
a relationship cankered by jealousy
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Time Traveler for canker
The first known use of canker was before the 12th century
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