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

He said the new recommendations are a much-needed update to the current standard of care in which individual radiologists measure tumor size, which dictates treatment options.

From Science Daily

Some highly aggressive tumors produce large amounts of USP39 and related splicing factors, likely due to their high division rate: To maintain constant protein production, they require highly precise splicing, a function that USP39 provides.

From Science Daily

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, melanoma is the most common form of cancer in the country and is notoriously difficult to treat after tumors spread throughout the body.

From Science Daily

The MRI indicated a large tumor that has spread outside of his prostate.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• Cancer
• carcinoma
• cyst
• lump
• swelling