tumor

American  

[too-mer, tyoo-] / ˈtu mər, ˈtyu- /

especially British, tumour

noun

1. a swollen part; swelling; protuberance.

2. an uncontrolled, abnormal, circumscribed growth of cells in any animal or plant tissue; neoplasm.

3. Archaic.

   1. inflated pride; haughtiness.

   2. pompous language; bombast.

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tumor Scientific  

/ to̅o̅′mər /

1. See neoplasm See Note at cancer

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tumor Cultural  

1. An abnormal mass of new tissue growth that serves no function in the body. Tumors are usually classified as benign or malignant and are often caused by cancer.

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Other Word Forms

• antitumor adjective
• antitumoral adjective
• nontumorous adjective
• tumoral adjective
• tumorlike adjective
• tumorous adjective

Etymology

Origin of tumor

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin: “a swelling, swollen state,” equivalent to tum(ēre) “to swell” + -or noun suffix ( -or ¹ )

Example Sentences

The research shows that pancreatic tumors do not act alone.

From Science Daily

The findings suggest a promising new direction for treating advanced solid tumors that have resisted existing therapies.

From Science Daily

Nearly 40% of mice that received the combined treatment saw their tumors disappear completely.

From Science Daily

For years, treatment has focused mainly on removing the visible tumor seen on imaging.

From Science Daily

These issues have slowed progress in areas like brain disorders and solid tumors.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• Cancer
• carcinoma
• cyst
• lump
• swelling