premalignant

adjective

pre·​ma·​lig·​nant ˌprē-mə-ˈlig-nənt How to pronounce premalignant (audio)

Examples of premalignant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clear indicators of high risk come from a biopsy showing abnormal growths: proliferative lesions or premalignant lesions in the breast such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Nov. 2023 Enter Email Sign Up Overall, colorectal cancer is on the decline, largely because more people over 50 are being screened by colonoscopy, which can prevent cancer by detecting and removing premalignant polyps. Teddy Amenabar, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'premalignant.' 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

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premalignant was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near premalignant

Cite this Entry

“Premalignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premalignant. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

premalignant

adjective
pre·​ma·​lig·​nant ˌprē-mə-ˈlig-nənt How to pronounce premalignant (audio)
: tending to become malignant : precancerous
a premalignant condition
One advantage to colonoscopy is that possible cancerous lesions can be biopsied, and premalignant polyps can be removed during the same procedure.Jane E. Brody, The New York Times
A skin condition called actinic keratosis is often a premalignant precursor of squamous cell carcinoma …Simeon Margolis et al., The Johns Hopkins White Papers
premalignancy noun
plural premalignancies
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