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Definition of canker noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

canker

noun
 
/ˈkæŋkə(r)/
 
/ˈkæŋkər/
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  1. [uncountable] a disease that destroys the wood of plants and trees
    • Cut out lesions on branches caused by canker.
  2. [countable] a damaged area in a plant or tree caused by disease or injury
    • Check trees for cankers.
  3. (also canker sore (both North American English), British English mouth ulcer)
     a small painful area in the mouth
  4. [uncountable] a disease that causes painful areas in the ears of animals, especially dogs and cats
  5. [countable] (literary) an evil or dangerous influence that spreads and affects people’s behaviourTopics Dangerc2
    6. Word OriginMiddle English (denoting a tumour): from Old French chancre, from Latin cancer ‘crab’ (see cancer).
See canker in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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ancient
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