malignancy

noun

ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
a
: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence
b
: a malignant tumor

Examples of malignancy in a Sentence

the malignancy of the tumor The test revealed a malignancy in the patient's chest.
Recent Examples on the Web Its potential use in treating cancers is also opening new avenues for arming the immune system against malignancy. Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2023 Inflammation, senescence and malignancy spread throughout the surrounding tissue. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2023 The strikes have shown there is another malignancy in the system that threatens the long-term health of what has been an extremely prosperous business. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Oct. 2023 This intermediate stage of cancer, in which the malignancy has begun to extend from the primary tumor to surrounding tissues, is still highly treatable. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2023 Yet another study, this one from Northwestern University, determined that bacterial infections, specifically, were the most frequent type of infection for cancer patients with certain underlying malignancies. Helen W. Boucher and Kevin Outterson, STAT, 3 Aug. 2023 There are four types of surgery commonly used based on the size, location, and extent of the malignancy. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2023 In the study, 80,000 women were randomized to have their mammograms read by either a single radiologist supported by an AI system that scores malignancy risk or by two radiologists, which is standard in Europe. Mario Aguilar, STAT, 3 Aug. 2023 That growth can in turn increase the risk of malignancy — thyroid cancer. Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malignancy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malignancy was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near malignancy

Cite this Entry

“Malignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignancy. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

malignancy

noun
ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
: a malignant tumor

Medical Definition

malignancy

noun
ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
a
: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence
b
: a malignant tumor

More from Merriam-Webster on malignancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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