: a malignant tumor arising in tissue (such as connective tissue, bone, cartilage, or striated muscle) of mesodermal origin see also ewing's sarcoma, kaposi's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rous sarcoma
sarcomatous adjective
sarcomatous tumors

Examples of sarcoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, it’s not known what causes the genetic change that leads to Ewing sarcoma, according to Harvard Health. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Health concerns about Ladera Ranch first made headlines following the death of 17-year-old Brody Matteson, who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in August 2024. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 At age 15, Weeks was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer of the bone and soft tissue. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 The then-23-year-old was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 synovial sarcoma. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcoma

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin sarcōmat-, sarcōma "fleshy excrescence, tumor," borrowed from Greek sárkōma "fleshy excrescence," from sarkō-, stem of sarkoûn "to make fleshy, (middle voice) to become fleshy" (verbal derivative of sark-, sárx "flesh, piece of meat") + -ma, resultative noun suffix — more at sarco-

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sarcoma was in 1804

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcoma. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

plural sarcomas also sarcomata -mət-ə How to pronounce sarcoma (audio)
: a malignant tumor arising in tissue of mesodermal origin (as connective tissue, bone, cartilage, or striated muscle) that spreads by extension into neighboring tissue or by way of the bloodstream see also ewing's sarcoma, kaposi's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rous sarcoma, spindle-cell sarcoma compare carcinoma

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