noun
cancer
KAN-suh
noun
1
A disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming tumours.
"Her grandmother is recovering from breast cancer."
"Researchers are developing new treatments for lung cancer."
2
Figuratively, something harmful that spreads and worsens unchecked.
"Corruption became a cancer within the organisation."
3
The zodiac sign of the crab, covering birthdays from late June to late July.
"As a Cancer, she is said to be nurturing and intuitive."
How to Use Cancer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often refers to the disease involving uncontrolled cell growth; also the zodiac sign named after the crab constellation.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more cancer comparative, cancers plural, Cancers plural, most cancer superlative
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Etymology
From Latin cancer, "crab", echoing the Greek karkinos, applied to tumours because their swollen veins were thought to resemble a crab's legs.