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metastasize
[ muh-tas-tuh-sahyz ]
/ məˈtæs təˌsaɪz /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
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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, meta tag, metatarsal, metatarsal arch, metatarsus
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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
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