Meaning & Definition of word "Canker"

Canker

/ˈkæŋ.kər/

1. a fungal disease affecting plants, especially trees, characterized by the formation of cankers on the bark or wood.
- Example: The apple tree suffered from canker, causing its branches to die off.
2. a sore or ulcer, particularly in the mouth.
- Example: She developed a painful canker on her tongue.
3. something that corrupts or destroys.
- Example: Greed can be a canker that ruins relationships.

1. to infect with canker or disease.
- Example: The gardener feared that the soil might canker the healthy plants.

●Middle English, from Old North French cancre, which means crab or cancer.

canker sore:

A painful sore in the mouth.

canker in the soul:

A profound moral decay or corruption.

ulcer:

A break in the skin or a mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue.

blight:

A plant disease, typically one caused by fungi.

Meaning: Something annoying or bothersome.

● Example Sentence: That guy is such a canker, always complaining.

Meaning: A bad habit or negative influence.

● Example Sentence: Social media can be a canker on one's mental health.