neoplastic

American  

[nee-uh-plas-tik] / ˌni əˈplæs tɪk /

adjective

1. Pathology. being or relating to the new, often uncontrolled growth of abnormal tissue.

   The telomerase enzyme is a marker for tumor cells, but the genetic alterations that activate it during neoplastic transformation remain a mystery.

2. Fine Arts. relating to or characteristic of neoplasticism or the de Stijl school, which favors rectangular forms and the use of black, white, and the primary colors.

   Kerdil’s design for this bright, three-compartment vase was inspired by Mondrian's neoplastic paintings.

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Etymology

Origin of neoplastic

First recorded in 1845–50, for an earlier sense; neo- ( def. ) + -plastic ( def. )

Example Sentences

In the final moments before the propofol takes effect, my gastroenterologist attempts to assuage my anxiety — not knowing that its source isn’t my concern over neoplastic polyps but of falling prey to Bill’s mistake.

From New York Times • May 13, 2022

"There is no family history of premature cardiac or neoplastic disease," the doctor wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2017

Our study shows that we can indeed learn lessons from such cells and tissues and use this knowledge to design ways of fighting neoplastic cells and the tumours that they form.

From Nature • Mar. 21, 2017

Post-mitotic, differentiated cells exhibit a variety of characteristics that contrast with those of actively growing neoplastic cells, such as the expression of cell-cycle inhibitors and differentiation factors.

From Nature • Mar. 21, 2017

In like manner, a tubercular pneumonia, or a tubercular nephritis suggests an association of neoplastic growth and inflammation, in the lung and kidney.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various