Canker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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canker

[ˈkæŋkər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Canker refers to a type of sore or ulcer, specifically one that occurs in the mouth. In dental medicine, it is often linked with canker sores, which are painful lesions on the mucous membranes. These sores can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or underlying health issues. The exact cause of canker sores is still not fully understood, but they can be quite bothersome.

Synonyms

sore, ulcer.

Examples of usage

  • She visited the doctor to get treatment for her canker.
  • Canker sores can make eating uncomfortable.
  • Stress is known to trigger recurrent canker sores.
Context #2 | Noun

plant disease

Canker also describes a plant disease characterized by the dieback of shoots and areas of bark due to fungal or bacterial infections. This condition leads to lesions on trees and shrubs, and it can severely affect their health. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent its spread among plants.

Synonyms

blight, rot.

Examples of usage

  • The gardener noticed canker on the apple trees.
  • Canker can spread quickly between infected plants.
  • Regular inspections help catch canker early.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are common and often caused by stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.
  • They usually heal within a week or two, but they can be quite painful during that time.
  • People with weakened immune systems or who are vitamin deficient may experience canker sores more frequently.

Agriculture

  • Canker can also refer to a plant disease that affects a plant's bark or wood, often leading to decay.
  • Commonly, it affects fruit trees, leading to poor harvests and necessitating careful management to prevent spread.
  • The disease is often caused by fungi or bacteria, posing significant challenges for farmers.

Literature

  • The term has been used metaphorically in literature to describe moral decay or societal issues, as seen in Shakespeare's works.
  • In poetry, it represents the idea of something beautiful being marred or harmed by external forces.
  • Authors use the imagery of canker to evoke feelings of pain, loss, or decline, drawing parallels with human experiences.

Psychology

  • Experiencing canker sores may also indicate underlying stress or anxiety, as emotional states can worsen physical symptoms.
  • The connection between mental health and physical ailments is a focus area in holistic psychology.
  • Managing stress through relaxation techniques may help reduce the frequency of canker sores.

Origin of 'canker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'cancer,' meaning 'crab,' which refers to how some sores can spread like a crab's legs.
  • In Ancient Greek, 'karkinos' also referred to cancer, linking the concepts of disease and the shape of a crab.
  • The term has evolved in the English language since the early 14th century to specifically refer to various types of sores.

In the OED, the meanings related to botanical disease were first noted in the 16th century. The duality of the word captures both its association with human health and agricultural concerns, indicating the interconnectedness of language with both medicine and nature.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,662, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.