noun
tumor
TOO-mer/ˈtumər/
An abnormal mass of tissue caused by uncontrolled cell growth.
The cutaway shows a tumor within the surrounding tissue.
Etymology
Latin tumor named swelling or a swollen condition, and English initially used it for abnormal bodily swelling. The selected medical sense is more specific: a mass produced by uncontrolled cell growth.
In context
if there's any cancer or tumor growth happening, stay away from this. It promotes cell repair, which is perfect for injuries, but not something you want if abnormal cells are involved.
More examples
- The doctor explained that the tumor was benign.
- The tumor was removed for examination.
- Researchers studied how the tumor grew.
Forms
tumor · tumors
tumorous adjective — containing or resembling a tumor
Similar words
- growth
- The broader tissue mass.
- neoplasm
- A more technical term for abnormal new tissue growth.