Definition

Relating to or causing sores or ulcers, often in a harmful or destructive way.

Example

The cankerous growth on the tree spread quickly, threatening the entire orchard.

Conversation

I heard that the old tree in the park is cankerous and might need to be removed.

Really? That's too bad; it was such a nice spot for picnics.

Yeah, it's sad when nature gets cankerous like that.

I hope they can save it somehow, but it sounds serious.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cankerous → It is formed from "canker" (from Old English *cancer*, meaning a sore or ulcer) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of or having the quality of). The word "cankerous" describes something that is full of or characterized by sores or ulcers.

Memory Tip

Think of 'canker' as referring to a sore, and remember that 'cankerous' means full of sores or having the quality of being sore.

Visually Confused Words