neoplastic

[nee-uh-plas-tik]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neoplastic¹

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.

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

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Mutations present in a subset of white blood cells can also reflect the presence of neoplastic clonal expansions arising from adult haematopoietic stem cells9, 10, 11.

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Here we describe a new tumour suppressor protein and a mechanism of the control of the neoplastic state.

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Inflammation might also promote community-level alterations in the microbiome and facilitate bacterial translocation into neoplastic tissue, which further promotes the expression of inflammatory cytokines and leads to the increased growth of tumours144.

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