tumour

UK: ˈtjuːmə | US: ˈtuːmər

Definition
  1. n. an abnormal mass of tissue resulting from uncontrolled cell division, which may be benign or malignant.

Structure
tum <swelling>our <noun suffix>
Etymology

tumour = tum<swelling> + our<noun suffix>

  • tum (from Latin tumere, meaning "to swell")
  • our (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating a state or condition)

Etymology Origin:
The word "tumour" traces back to Latin tumor, derived from tumere ("to swell"). This reflects the physical characteristic of a tumour as a swollen or enlarged growth. The suffix -our (later adapted to -or in American English) was added to form a noun denoting the condition. The concept of swelling aligns with the observable pathology of tumours in medical contexts.

Examples
  1. The biopsy confirmed that the tumour was benign.

  2. Early detection of a tumour can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

  3. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour from her lung.

  4. Researchers are studying new therapies to target aggressive tumours.

  5. The scan revealed a small tumour near his kidney.