Definition of canker

< canister

canker brake >

can·ker    (kngkr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Ulceration of the mouth and lips.
2. An inflammation or infection of the ear and auditory canal, especially in dogs and cats.
3. A condition in horses similar to but more advanced than thrush.
4. 1. 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.
   2. Any of several diseases of plants characterized by the presence of such lesions.
5. A source of spreading corruption or decay.

VERB:
can·kered, can·ker·ing, can·kers
VERB:
tr.

1. To attack or infect with canker.
2. To infect with corruption or decay.

VERB:
intr.

To become infected with or as if with canker.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English cancer, and from Old French cancre both from Latin cancer, crab, malignant disease; see kar- in Indo-European roots