CANKER Meaning and
Definition
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Canker is a noun with multiple definitions, often referring to different types of afflictions or deteriorating conditions. However, the most common definition of canker refers to a painful and often contagious ulcerous sore that develops on the mucous membranes inside the mouth, particularly on the lip or tongue. These sores typically manifest as small, white or yellowish spots surrounded by a red border and can be caused by a variety of factors, including emotional stress, a weakened immune system, or a viral or bacterial infection.
Beyond its medical meaning, canker can also be used to describe various damaging or corrupting influences that infect or degrade something. This broader meaning implies an inner decay or rot, often affecting moral, social, or political matters. In this sense, canker refers to a spreading corruption or evil that gradually erodes or destroys a system, organization, or community from within. It can be metaphorically associated with a persistent and destructive force that damages foundations and weakens structures.
Additionally, the term canker can be used to describe certain types of plant diseases characterized by the development of decayed or necrotic tissues. These diseases are caused by pathogens, such as fungi or bacteria, that infect plants, particularly trees and shrubs. Canker diseases often result in the formation of sunken or swollen lesions on the plant's bark or branches, leading to reduced growth, wilted leaves, and potentially even death if left untreated.
In summary, canker typically refers to a painful ulcerous sore in the mouth, a corrupting or deteriorating influence, or a plant disease characterized by necrotic lesions.
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1. Aphthous stomatitis. 2. Noma. 3. A morbid secretion of the sensitive frog and sole of the horse, involving also the corresponding insensitive parts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A disease in trees which causes the bark to rot and fall off; a corroding ulcer.
• To eat; to corrode; to consume, as a cancer does the body; to grow corrupt; to waste away by degrees.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CANKER
Etymology of CANKER
The word "canker" has a complex etymology, derived from various roots and historical influences.
1. Old English: The earliest source is the Old English word "cancor", which originally referred to a malignant, spreading sore or ulcer. This Old English term may have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*kankron", meaning "gangrene" or "ulcer".
2. Latin and Greek: Another possible influence is the Latin word "cancer", which means "crab". This Latin word was used to describe ulcers because their appearance was often compared to a crab spreading its claws. The Greek word "karkinos" also means "crab" and may have contributed to the Latin term.
3. Medieval Latin: During the Middle Ages, the Latin word "cancer" referred not only to a crab but also to a malignant tumor or sore. This meaning was inherited from ancient Greek medicine.
Similar spelling words for CANKER
- conker,
- crankier,
- canoe,
- cane,
- cancer,
- canter,
- hanker,
- cancerous,
- cankerous,
- cake,
- ranker.
Conjugate verb Canker
CONDITIONAL
I
would canker
you
would canker
he/she/it
would canker
we
would canker
they
would canker
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be cankering
you
would be cankering
he/she/it
would be cankering
we
would be cankering
they
would be cankering
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have canker
you
would have canker
he/she/it
would have canker
we
would have canker
they
would have canker
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been cankering
you
would have been cankering
he/she/it
would have been cankering
we
would have been cankering
they
would have been cankering
FUTURE
I
will canker
you
will canker
he/she/it
will canker
we
will canker
they
will canker
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cankering
you
will be cankering
he/she/it
will be cankering
we
will be cankering
they
will be cankering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cankered
you
will have cankered
he/she/it
will have cankered
we
will have cankered
they
will have cankered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cankering
you
will have been cankering
he/she/it
will have been cankering
we
will have been cankering
they
will have been cankering
IMPERATIVE
you
canker
we
let´s canker
to canker
PAST
I
cankered
you
cankered
he/she/it
cankered
we
cankered
they
cankered
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cankering
you
were cankering
he/she/it
was cankering
we
were cankering
they
were cankering
PAST PARTICIPLE
cankered
PAST PERFECT
I
had cankered
you
had cankered
he/she/it
had cankered
we
had cankered
they
had cankered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cankering
you
had been cankering
he/she/it
had been cankering
we
had been cankering
they
had been cankering
PRESENT
I
canker
you
canker
he/she/it
cankers
we
canker
they
canker
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cankering
you
are cankering
he/she/it
is cankering
we
are cankering
they
are cankering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cankering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cankered
you
have cankered
he/she/it
has cankered
we
have cankered
they
have cankered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cankering
you
have been cankering
he/she/it
has been cankering
we
have been cankering
they
have been cankering
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