tumor

noun

tu·​mor ˈtü-mər How to pronounce tumor (audio)
ˈtyü-
1
: an abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation

called also neoplasm

2
: a swollen or distended part
… houses that bulged with the tumors and warts of … ornamental architecture …W. A. White
tumoral adjective
tumorlike adjective

Examples of tumor in a Sentence

the scan showed a small tumor in her abdomen
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Isabella Strahan is showing off her hair growth since finishing chemotherapy for her brain tumor. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Thomas died in March 2019 from a brain tumor, leaving the rapper without any living parents. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024 Her mother Holly Thomas, who served as her foremost role model, confidante, and motivator, had died the previous year from a brain tumor. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024 Isabella was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a rare brain tumor, in October 2023, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tumor 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tumour, from Latin tumor, from tumēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tumor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tumor

Cite this Entry

“Tumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumor. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tumor

noun
tu·​mor ˈt(y)ü-mər How to pronounce tumor (audio)
: an abnormal mass of tissue that arises from normal tissue cells and serves no useful purpose in the body
tumorous
ˈt(y)üm-(ə-)rəs
adjective

Medical Definition

tumor

noun
tu·​mor
variants or chiefly British tumour
: an abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation see cancer sense 1, carcinoma, sarcoma
tumorlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on tumor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!