Malignant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malignant

[mษ™หˆlษชษก.nษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical, harmful

Malignant refers to a condition or tumor that is harmful and likely to spread, especially in the context of cancer. It describes cells that are invasive and can destroy nearby tissues or organs. Malignant tumors can metastasize, leading to more severe health issues.

Synonyms

cancerous, malevolent, venomous.

Examples of usage

  • The biopsy confirmed it was a malignant tumor.
  • She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
  • Malignant cells can cause significant damage to the body.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • In medicine, 'malignant' typically refers to tumors that grow aggressively and can spread to other parts of the body.
  • Malignant cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth and the ability to invade neighboring tissues.
  • Contrast with 'benign,' which describes tumors that are not aggressive and do not spread.

Literature

  • Malignant themes can be found in literature, often representing evil forces or corrupting influences.
  • Authors use malignant characters to explore the darker sides of human nature and conflict.
  • Shakespeare's works often discuss malignant motives, showing how harmful intentions can lead to tragedy.

Pop Culture

  • In horror movies, 'malignant' often describes villains or supernatural entities that threaten the protagonists.
  • The term gained popularity through media portrayal of cancer, making it a familiar concept even outside the medical field.
  • Films and books portray malignant forces as threats that incite fear and challenge the heroes.

Psychology

  • Malignant traits in personality psychology can refer to a combination of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
  • Research suggests that individuals with malignant personality traits may exhibit harmful behaviors towards others.
  • Understanding malignant traits can help in addressing toxic relationships and societal issues.

Origin of 'malignant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'malignant' comes from the Latin 'malignus,' meaning 'ill-disposed' or 'wicked.'
  • It combines 'mal-', meaning 'bad,' with '-gnant,' which comes from 'gnere,' meaning 'to generate or produce.'
  • The term has been used since the early 15th century to describe harmful diseases.

The word 'malignant' originates from the Latin term 'malignus', which means 'wicked' or 'evil'. This Latin word is derived from two components: 'male' meaning 'bad' and 'gnus' meaning 'born of' or 'produced by'. The term was first used in English in the late 14th century. Initially, it was used to describe someone or something that is malevolent or harmful. By the medical context, it became more common in the late 19th century as the field of oncology advanced. Over time, 'malignant' became specifically associated with cancer, distinguishing it from benign tumors that do not spread. The evolution of its use reflects a growing understanding of disease processes and the character of tumors as viewed by the medical community.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,798 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.