canker

[ kang-ker ]

noun

1. a gangrenous or ulcerous sore, especially in the mouth.
2. a disease affecting horses' feet, usually the soles, characterized by a foul-smelling exudate.
3. a defined area of diseased tissue, especially in woody stems.
4. something that corrodes, corrupts, destroys, or irritates.

   Synonyms: scourge, cancer, blight

5. Also called canker rose. British Dialect. dog rose.

verb (used with object)

1. to infect with canker.
2. to corrupt; destroy slowly.

verb (used without object)

1. to become infected with or as if with canker.

canker

/ ˈkæŋkə /

noun

1. an ulceration, esp of the lips or lining of the oral cavity
2. vet science
   1. a disease of horses in which the horn of the hoofs becomes soft and spongy
   2. an inflammation of the lining of the external ear, esp in dogs and cats, resulting in a discharge and sometimes ulceration
   3. ulceration or abscess of the mouth, eyelids, ears, or cloaca of birds
3. an open wound in the stem of a tree or shrub, caused by injury or parasites
4. something evil that spreads and corrupts

verb

1. to infect or become infected with or as if with canker

Word History and Origins

Origin of canker¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English cancer < Latin cancer; cancer

Word History and Origins

Origin of canker¹

Old English cancer, from Latin cancer crab, cancerous sore

Example Sentences

As humans, we are nothing if not fascinated by our own bodies, whether that’s picking a scab, prodding a canker sore or popping a pimple.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, chemicals in the Chinese trees’ bark counter the acid cankers by creating a sort of scab around the injury.

From Salon

We hadn’t thought much about this until last night when she mentioned that the canker sore outbreak started while she had COVID-19.

From Seattle Times

“There is a canker that Miss Havisham has allowed, welcomed even, in her heartbreak and desire for revenge.”

From New York Times

Prolonged direct contact with radioactive material can cause skin rashes, hair loss, canker sores, fatigue, and vomiting.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blight
• corrosion
• scourge