canker
2 synonyms for canker, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A disease that causes decay in plants, or the damaged area it leaves behind.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use canker
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
canker sore
a canker on society
Etymology
From Old English cancer, "cancer" or "crab," ultimately from Latin cancer. A doublet of "cancer" and "chancre."
Full origin of canker →Frequently asked questions
What does “canker” mean?
The word “canker” means a disease that causes decay in plants, or the damaged area it leaves behind. In plain terms, a sore or diseased spot, or something that quietly corrupts and eats away at something good.
How do you pronounce “canker”?
“Canker” is pronounced KANG-kuh (/ˈkæŋkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “canker” in a sentence?
Here is “canker” used in a sentence: “The orchard lost several apple trees to canker.”
What is another word for “canker”?
Words with a similar meaning to “canker” include encanker.
What part of speech is “canker”?
Depending on how it is used, “canker” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “canker” come from?
The word “canker” comes from Latin. From Old English cancer, "cancer" or "crab," ultimately from Latin cancer. A doublet of "cancer" and "chancre.".
How many meanings does “canker” have?
“Canker” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a disease that causes decay in plants, or the damaged area it leaves behind.
