canker

(kaŋ′kər)

noun

an ulcerlike sore, esp. in the mouth: thought to be an immune reaction
also canker sore
1. a disease of plants that causes local decay of bark and wood
2. a diseased area of woody tissues
Obsolete cankerworm
anything that corrupts or gradually destroys
Now Dial. the dog rose

Origin: ME < OFr cancre < L cancer: see cancer

transitive verb

intransitive verb

to become cankered

Related Forms:

See canker in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Ulceration of the mouth and lips.
An inflammation or infection of the ear and auditory canal, especially in dogs and cats.
A condition in horses similar to but more advanced than thrush.
a. A localized diseased or necrotic area on a plant part, especially on a trunk, branch, or twig of a woody plant, usually caused by fungi or bacteria.
b. Any of several diseases of plants characterized by the presence of such lesions.
A source of spreading corruption or decay.

verb can·kered, can·ker·ing, can·kers

verb, transitive