tumor

[ too-mer, tyoo- ]

noun

1. a swollen part; swelling; protuberance.
2. an uncontrolled, abnormal, circumscribed growth of cells in any animal or plant tissue; neoplasm.
3. Archaic.
   1. inflated pride; haughtiness.
   2. pompous language; bombast.

tumor

/ to̅o̅′mər /

1. See neoplasmSee Note at cancer

tumor

1. An abnormal mass of new tissue growth that serves no function in the body. Tumors are usually classified as benign or malignant and are often caused by cancer .

Other Words From

• tumor·like adjective
• tumor·ous tumor·al adjective
• anti·tumor adjective noun
• anti·tumor·al adjective
• non·tumor·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumor¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin: “a swelling, swollen state,” equivalent to tum(ēre) “to swell” + -or noun suffix ( -or ¹ )

Example Sentences

When someone has a cancerous tumor, surgeons remove it as soon as possible and start a treatment plan.

From Los Angeles Times

Upon learning about the tumor, Lewis said her cancer had progressed to the point where her doctors — whom she described as “traditional oncologists” — recommended that she have a double mastectomy.

From Los Angeles Times

She decided to “keep” her tumor and work it out of her body a different way, including detoxing, completely changing her diet and working on her “emotional landscapes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the tumor kept growing.

From Los Angeles Times

When the new year came around, she had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• Cancer
• carcinoma
• cyst
• lump
• swelling