[can.cer] n [ME, fr. L (gen. Cancri), lit., crab; akin to Gk karkinos crab, cancer] 1 cap a: a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo b (1): the 4th sign of the zodiac in astrology (2): one born under the sign of Cancer
2. [L, crab, cancer] a: a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis b: an abnormal state marked by such tumors
3: something evil or malignant that spreads destructively "the ~ of hidden resentment --Irish Digest"
4. a: an enlarged tumorlike growth (as that of crown gall) b: a disease marked by such growths -- can.cer.ous adj -- can.cer.ous.ly adv