/meuh tas"teuh suyz'/ , v.i. , metastasized, metastasizing .
1. Pathol. (of malignant cells or disease-producing organisms) to spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.
2. to spread injuriously: Street gangs have metastasized in our city.
3. to transform, esp. into a dangerous form: The KGB metastasized after the fall of the Soviet Union. Truth metastasized into lurid fantasy.
Also, esp. Brit., metastasise .
[ 1905-10; METASTAS(IS) + -IZE ]