malignant

/məˈlɪɡnənt/adjective

Describing a tumor or disease that is cancerous, grows quickly, and can spread to other parts of the body.

Example sentences

“The doctor said the tumor was malignant and needed treatment right away.”
“Tests showed that the lump was not malignant.”
“Malignant cells can travel through the blood to other organs.”

Its opposite is 'benign', meaning not cancerous. Outside medicine it can describe something evil or harmful.

Synonyms for malignant

cancerous

Antonyms

benign

Related words

tumorA lump of tissue that grows abnormally in the body; it can be harmless or cancerous.cancerAn illness in which cells in part of the body begin to grow and multiply out of control.terminalThe building at an airport where travelers move between ground transport and their flights.diabetesA long-term disease in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in the blood.acuteVery strong, keen, or sharp in effect or perception.asthmaA chronic breathing disorder in which the airways can suddenly tighten, often triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, or stress.