/ ˈkæŋkə(r); NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] a disease that destroys the wood of plants and trees
2.
[ U ] a disease that causes sore areas in the ears of animals, especially dogs and cats
3.
[ C ] ( literary ) an evil or dangerous influence that spreads and affects people's behaviour
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (denoting a tumour): from Old French chancre , from Latin cancer crab (see cancer ).