■ noun
1》 a destructive fungal disease of trees that results in damage to the bark.
↘an open lesion in plant tissue caused by infection or injury.
↘fungal rot in parsnips, tomatoes, or other vegetables.
2》 an ulcerous condition of an animal, especially an inflammation of the ear caused by a mite infestation.
↘(also ~ sore ) N. Amer. a small ulcer of the mouth or lips.
■ verb
1》 become infected with ~.
2》 [usu. as adjective ~ed ] infect with a corrupting bitterness.
Derivatives
~ous adjective
Origin
ME (denoting a tumour): from OFr. chancre , from L. cancer (see cancer ).