canker

views updated May 18 2018

can·ker / ˈkangkər/ • n. 1. a necrotic, fungal disease of apple and other trees that results in damage to the bark. ∎  an open lesion in plant tissue caused by infection or injury. ∎  fungal rot in some fruits and vegetables, e.g., parsnips and tomatoes.2. Med. an ulcerous condition or disease, in particular: ∎  (also canker sore) a small ulcer of the mouth or lips. ∎ another term for thrush2 (sense 2). ∎  ulceration of the throat and other orifices of birds, typically caused by a protozoal infection. ∎  (also ear can·ker) inflammation of the ear of a dog, cat, or rabbit, typically caused by a mite infestation. ∎ fig. a malign and corrupting influence that is difficult to eradicate: [in sing.] racism remains a canker. • v. 1. [intr.] (of woody plant tissue) become infected with canker: [as n.] (cankering) we found some cankering of the wood. 2. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (cankered) infect with a pervasive and corrupting bitterness: he hated her with a cankered, shameful abhorrence.DERIVATIVES: can·ker·ous / -kərəs/ adj.

canker

views updated May 23 2018

canker A general term for a localized disease of woody plants in which bark formation is prevented. Cankers may be caused by bacteria or fungi, or occasionally even by viruses.

canker

views updated Jun 27 2018

canker OE. cancer, reinforced or superseded by ONF. cancre, var. of (O)F. chancre :- L. cancer CANCER.

canker

views updated May 17 2018

canker A general term for a localized disease of woody plants in which bark formation is prevented. Cankers may be caused by bacteria or fungi, or occasionally even by viruses.

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