metastasize
[ muh-tas-tuh-sahyz ]
/ məˈtæs təˌsaɪz /
Save This Word!
verb (used without object), me·tas·ta·sized, me·tas·ta·siz·ing.
Pathology. (of malignant cells or disease-producing organisms) to spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.
to spread injuriously: Street gangs have metastasized in our city.
to transform, especially into a dangerous form: The KGB metastasized after the fall of the Soviet Union. Truth metastasized into lurid fantasy.
QUIZ
TEST YOUR MERIT ON THESE NEW WORDS IN 2021
The Dictionary added new words and definition to our vast collection, and we want to see how well-versed you are in the formally recognized new lingo. Take the quiz!
Question 1 of 8
What does JEDI stand for?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Also especially British, me·tas·ta·sise .
Origin of metastasize
First recorded in 1905–10; metastas(is) + -ize
Words nearby metastasize
metasoma, metasomatism, metastable, Metastasio, metastasis, metastasize, metastatic, metastatic abscess, metastatic calcification, meta tag, metatarsal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use metastasize in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for metastasize
metastasize
metastasise
/ (mɪˈtæstəˌsaɪz) /
verb (intr)
pathol (esp of cancer cells) to spread to a new site in the body via blood or lymph vessels
(of a problem) to deteriorate or spread into new areas
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for metastasize
metastasize
[ mə-tăs′tə-sīz′ ]
v.
To be transmitted or transferred by or as if by metastasis.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.