metastasis

noun

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me·tas·ta·sis | \ mə-ˈta-stə-səs

plural metastases\ mə-ˈta-stə-ˌsēz

Definition of metastasis

1a : change of position, state, or form

b : the spread of a disease-producing agency (such as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body metastasis of breast cancer to bone — Medical Physics also : the process by which such spreading occurs

2 : a secondary malignant (see malignant sense 1) tumor resulting from metastasis

Other Words from metastasis Example Sentences Learn More About metastasis

Other Words from metastasis

metastatic \ ˌme-tə-ˈsta-tik

\ adjective

metastatically \ ˌme-tə-ˈsta-ti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Examples of metastasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The work felt useful, and the research–on the role of microRNA in metastasis–was genuinely compelling. — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2022 The mouse tests can predict metastasis and whether a drug slows recurrence. — Max G. Levy, Wired, 9 Mar. 2022 Some outraged Canadians see a kind of cross-border metastasis of U.S.-style crass politics — a notion amplified when conservatives like Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson, the Fox news host, heap praise on the protesters. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2022 What are the symptoms of bone metastasis in breast cancer? — Jessie Van Amburg, Health.com, 15 Sep. 2021 When a cancer has progressed to the point of metastasis, a person can start losing weight without intending to. — Jessie Van Amburg, Health.com, 20 Sep. 2021 Cancerous tumors can invade other tissues beyond where theyoriginated, causing new tumors to form in a process called metastasis. — Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2021 The bone is one of the most common places for breast cancer to metastasize—60% of metastatic breast cancer patients experience bone or lung metastasis, according to research published in the journal Cancer. — Jessie Van Amburg, Health.com, 20 Sep. 2021 Currently there is no inhibitor to arrest metastasis. — Larry Luxner, sun-sentinel.com, 18 Nov. 2020 See More

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

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Dictionary Entries Near metastasis

metastable state

metastasis

metastasize

Statistics for metastasis

Last Updated

10 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Metastasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metastasis. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for metastasis

metastasis

noun

me·tas·ta·sis | \ mə-ˈtas-tə-səs

plural metastases\ -ˌsēz

Medical Definition of metastasis

1a : change of position, state, or form

b : the spread of a disease-producing agent (as cancer cells or bacteria) or disease from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body The overwhelming concern about prostate cancer is its potential for metastasis—for cells to escape the gland and take root in lymph nodes, bones, lungs, skin, or other tissue.— Tom Alexander, Fortune also : the process by which such spreading occurs

2 : a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis … radiation has no known effect on distant metastases from breast cancer …— David Plotkin, The Atlantic Monthly