cancer: Meaning and Definition of

can•cer

1. a malignant and invasive growth or tumor, esp. one originating in epithelium, tending to recur after excision and to metastasize to other sites.
2. any disease characterized by such growths.
2. any evil condition or thing that spreads destructively; blight.
3. (cap.)the Crab, a zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo.
4. (cap.)
1. the fourth sign of the zodiac: the cardinal water sign. See illus. underzodiac.
2. a person born under this sign, usually between June 21 and July 22.
5. (cap.) See under(def. 1a).