cancer
UK: ˈkænsə | US: ˈkænsər
n. a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division, often forming malignant tumors
n. (figurative) a harmful or corrupting influence that spreads aggressively
n. (astrology) the zodiac sign Cancer, represented by the crab
cancer = canc<crab> + er<noun suffix>
- canc (from Latin cancer "crab")
The ancient Greeks and Romans likened tumors to crabs due to their claw-like veins and hard, spreading nature. - er (noun-forming suffix in Latin-derived words)
Etymology Origin:
The word cancer traces back to the Latin cancer (crab), borrowed from Greek karkinos. Hippocrates first used karkinos to describe tumors, inspired by their crab-like appearance. Over time, Latin cancer evolved to mean both the disease and the zodiac sign (due to the crab’s sideways movement, symbolizing the sun’s apparent retrograde during the Cancer season). The figurative sense of "corrupting influence" emerged in the 17th century, mirroring the disease’s invasive nature.
Early detection improves survival rates for many types of cancer.
Corruption is a cancer that erodes trust in institutions.
She was born under the sign of Cancer.
The surgeon removed the cancerous tissue successfully.
Environmental toxins may increase the risk of cancer.