malignant

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Definition of malignant

1 : tending to produce death or deterioration malignant malaria especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally a malignant tumor

2a : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious a powerful and malignant influence

b : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious the malignant tongues of gossipers

c obsolete : malcontent, disaffected

Other Words from malignant Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about malignant

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Examples of malignant in a Sentence

a highly malignant form of cancer a powerful and malignant influence

Recent Examples on the Web Biopsy results showed that the mass was cancerous, and due to her age and the size of the malignant tumor, veterinary staff decided against surgery. — Robin Goist, cleveland, "Beloved jaguar at Akron Zoo dies after battle with cancer," 8 Nov. 2019 The mod gives them a receptor that lets them locate and attack malignant cells. — Popsci Staff, Popular Science, "The best tech of the last decade," 27 Dec. 2019 But this was impossible where there was a risk of malignant cells spreading, so a nurse sent a specimen bag through the cannula. — D. T. Max, The New Yorker, "Paging Dr. Robot," 23 Sep. 2019 The way doctors treat cancer—and researchers look for new ways to fight the disease—is to destroy every last malignant cell. — Jay Bennett, Smithsonian, "The Ten Best Science Books of 2019," 11 Dec. 2019 Unelected bureaucrats and cabinet appointees were never going to steer Donald Trump the right direction in the long run, or refine his malignant management style. — BostonGlobe.com, "In ‘‘A Warning’’ by Anonymous, obtained by The Washington Post ahead of its release, a writer described only as ‘‘a senior official in the Trump administration’’ paints a chilling portrait of the president as cruel, inept and a danger to the nation he was elected to lead.," 8 Nov. 2019 Unelected bureaucrats and cabinet appointees were never going to steer Donald Trump the right direction in the long run, or refine his malignant management style. — Philip Rucker, Anchorage Daily News, "Book by ‘Anonymous’ describes Trump as cruel, inept and a danger to the nation," 8 Nov. 2019 For example, new blood vessels form both as wounds heal and as cells turn malignant, and there are changes to electrical signals in both cases. — Sally Adee, Quartz, "Our bodies are full of electricity that could help us fight cancer," 30 May 2019 Testing revealed that the cause was a malignant brain tumor. — BostonGlobe.com, "Marie Fredriksson, Roxette singer, is dead at 61 - The Boston Globe," 12 Dec. 2019

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

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Last Updated

13 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignant. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for malignant

malignant

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of malignant

medical : very serious and dangerous : tending or likely to grow and spread in a rapid and uncontrolled way that can cause death

formal : very evil

See the full definition for malignant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

malignant

adjective

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Kids Definition of malignant

1 : malicious

2 : likely to cause death : deadly

malignant

adjective

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Medical Definition of malignant

1 : tending to produce death or deterioration malignant malaria especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally malignant tumors — compare benign sense 1

2 : of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment psychotic reactions with a malignant trend

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