Cancer Definition

Cancer
noun

1. astron.
A faint constellation lying on the zodiac between Gemini and Leo.
2a. astrol.
The fourth sign of the zodiac;
2b. astrol.
A person born between 22 June and 22 July, under this sign.

Etymology: 14c: Latin, meaning ‘crab'.

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cancer
noun

1. pathol.
Any form of malignant tumour that develops when the cells of a tissue or organ multiply in an uncontrolled manner.
2. pathol.
A diseased area produced when a malignant tumour invades and destroys the surrounding tissues, and which if left untreated is generally fatal.
3. An evil within an organization, community, etc that is gradually destroying it. See also oncogene.

Thesaurus: malignancy, canker, blight, corruption, pestilence, rot, infection, tumour.

Derivative: cancerous
adj

(of a growth) having the nature of a cancer
Thesaurus: carcinogenic, malignant.

Etymology: 17c: Latin, meaning ‘crab' or ‘cancerous growth'.