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| can·cer [ kánssər ] (plural can·cers) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. malignant tumor: a malignant tumor or growth caused when cells multiply uncontrollably, destroying healthy tissue. The different forms are sarcomas, carcinomas, leukemias, and lymphomas.
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2. illness caused by tumor: the illness or condition that is caused by the presence of a malignant tumor
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3. fast-spreading bad phenomenon: something, usually something negative, that develops or spreads quickly and usually destructively
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4. construction gradual destruction of building material: gradual erosion or damage occurring in building materials, believed to be caused by inherent manufacturing faults
 concrete cancer
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| [Pre-12th century. < Latin, literally "crab"] |
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 can·cer·ous adjective |
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