Canker
noun
A type of disease that attacks plants, causing parts of them to rot.
The apple tree has a canker, causing its fruits to fall prematurely.
Often appears as...
- canker disease
- apple canker
noun
A painful mouth or throat sore.
After a week of illness, he developed a canker in his mouth.
Often appears as...
- canker sore
- mouth canker
noun
Something bad or corrupt that harms things around it.
Greed is a canker that destroys communities.
Often appears as...
- canker of society
- canker of corruption
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Figurative
noun
A type of disease that attacks plants, causing parts of them to rot.
The apple tree has a canker, causing its fruits to fall prematurely.
Often appears as...
- canker disease
- apple canker
noun
A painful mouth or throat sore.
After a week of illness, he developed a canker in his mouth.
Often appears as...
- canker sore
- mouth canker
noun
Something bad or corrupt that harms things around it.
Greed is a canker that destroys communities.
Often appears as...
- canker of society
- canker of corruption
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Figurative
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Plant disease
Remember, 'canker' refers to plant diseases that cause decay, often visible on stems or branches.
The gardener explained that the canker would spread if we didn't prune the infected branches.
Pro Tip 2/3Not in animals
'Canker' is not used for diseases in animals or people, only plants.
She mistakenly called the dog's sore a canker, but that term is for plant diseases.
Pro Tip 3/3Specialized term
Use 'canker' to sound more knowledgeable when discussing plant pathology or gardening.
During the workshop, we learned that apple canker is a common issue in cooler climates.
Pro Tip 1/3Plant disease
Remember, 'canker' refers to plant diseases that cause decay, often visible on stems or branches.
The gardener explained that the canker would spread if we didn't prune the infected branches.
Pro Tip 2/3Not in animals
'Canker' is not used for diseases in animals or people, only plants.
She mistakenly called the dog's sore a canker, but that term is for plant diseases.
Pro Tip 3/3Specialized term
Use 'canker' to sound more knowledgeable when discussing plant pathology or gardening.
During the workshop, we learned that apple canker is a common issue in cooler climates.
Pro Tip 1/3Plant disease
Remember, 'canker' refers to plant diseases that cause decay, often visible on stems or branches.
The gardener explained that the canker would spread if we didn't prune the infected branches.
Pro Tip 2/3Not in animals
'Canker' is not used for diseases in animals or people, only plants.
She mistakenly called the dog's sore a canker, but that term is for plant diseases.
Pro Tip 3/3Specialized term
Use 'canker' to sound more knowledgeable when discussing plant pathology or gardening.
During the workshop, we learned that apple canker is a common issue in cooler climates.
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Quote examples
Russell M. Nelson
American Clergyman
As we dread any disease that undermines the health of the body, so should we deplore contention, which is a corroding canker of the spirit.
Quote examples
Charles Baudelaire
French Poet
A frenzied passion for art is a canker that devours everything else.
Quote examples
Russell M. Nelson
American Clergyman
As we dread any disease that undermines the health of the body, so should we deplore contention, which is a corroding canker of the spirit.
Quote examples
Charles Baudelaire
French Poet
A frenzied passion for art is a canker that devours everything else.
Example 1 of 2
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