Langimage
English

cancer

|can/cer|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkænsər/

🇬🇧

/ˈkænsə/

uncontrolled growth

Etymology
Etymology Information

'cancer' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cancer,' where 'cancer' meant 'crab' or 'tumor.'

Historical Evolution

'cancer' changed from the Old French word 'cancer' and eventually became the modern English word 'cancer'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'crab' due to the crab-like spread of the disease, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a malignant tumor or disease.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells.

The cancer spread to other parts of his body.

Synonyms

Noun 3

a practice or phenomenon perceived to be evil or destructive and hard to contain or eradicate.

Corruption is a cancer in society.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35