n. 1. A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near Leo and Gemini. 2. a. The fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology. b. One who is born under this sign. In all senses also called Crab. [Middle English, from Latin; see CANKER.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. 1. a. Any of various malignant neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of anaplastic cells that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to new body sites. b. The pathological condition characterized by such growths. 2. A pernicious, spreading evil: A cancer of bigotry spread through the community. [Middle English; see CANKER.] cancer·ous (kănsər-əs) adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.