mesothelioma

noun

me·​so·​the·​li·​o·​ma ˌme-zə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə 

ˌmē-, 

-sə-

plural mesotheliomas also mesotheliomata ˌme-zə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə-tə 

ˌmē-, 

-sə-

: a usually malignant tumor derived from mesothelial tissue (such as that lining the peritoneum or pleura)

Examples of mesothelioma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, when the infection persisted, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that can affect the linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause scarring in the lungs and increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. —Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025

In the past year, J&J has been hit with several substantial verdicts in mesothelioma cases, but Monday’s is among the largest. —Reuters 14 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Finally, she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mesothelioma

• cholesteatoma
• epithelioma
• lymphogranuloma
• medulloblastoma
• retinoblastoma
• adenocarcinoma
• choriocarcinoma
• pheochromocytoma
• ambystoma
• atheroma
• carcinoma
• coloboma

Medical Definition

mesothelioma

noun

me·​so·​the·​li·​o·​ma ˌmez-ə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə, ˌmēz-, ˌmēs-, ˌmes- 

plural mesotheliomas also mesotheliomata -mət-ə 

: a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue (as that lining the peritoneum or pleura)