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Definition of cancerous

cancerous

/ˈkæn.sər.əs/
can · cer · ous
Adverb:cancerously
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cancerous Lexical Profile

cancerous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, affected by, or having the nature of a malignant tumor or cancer.

Example

"Early screening tests allowed the doctors to remove the cancerous cells before they could spread."

2

Spreading rapidly and destructively in a manner resembling a malignant disease; deeply corrupting or pernicious.

Example

"The investigation exposed the cancerous spread of bribery within the local administration."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cancerous

• Nearby Words

cancellation
canceller
cancer
cancerous
cancerously
candelabra
candelabrum

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the noun 'cancer' plus the suffix '-ous', ultimately deriving from the Latin word 'cancer', meaning 'crab' or 'creeping ulcer', so named by ancient physicians because the swollen veins surrounding a tumor resembled a crab's limbs.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cancerous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cancerous
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