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 cancer, reinforced or superseded by ONF.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

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.