Metastasize: meaning, definitions and examples

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metastasize

 

[ mɛtəs'tæs aɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical process

To metastasize refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary site of the tumor to other parts of the body. This occurs when cancer cells invade nearby tissues or enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Metastatic cancer is often more difficult to treat than localized cancer because it indicates that the disease has advanced. Understanding this process is crucial for treatment planning and for evaluating prognosis.

Synonyms

propagate, spread, translocate

Examples of usage

  • The doctor explained how the tumor can metastasize to the liver.
  • If cancer cells metastasize, they can form new tumors in other organs.
  • Researchers are studying ways to prevent tumors from metastasizing.

Translations

Translations of the word "metastasize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metastatizar

🇮🇳 मेटास्टेसाइज़

🇩🇪 metastisieren

🇮🇩 metastasis

🇺🇦 метастазувати

🇵🇱 metastazować

🇯🇵 転移する

🇫🇷 métastaser

🇪🇸 metastatizar

🇹🇷 metastaz yapmak

🇰🇷 전이하다

🇸🇦 ينتشر

🇨🇿 metastazovat

🇸🇰 metastázovať

🇨🇳 转移

🇸🇮 metastazirati

🇮🇸 meðfæra

🇰🇿 метастаз жасау

🇬🇪 მეტასტაზირება

🇦🇿 metastaz vermək

🇲🇽 metastatizar

Word origin

The term 'metastasize' originates from the Greek word 'metastasis,' which means 'displacement' or 'change in position.' 'Metastasis' composed of 'meta,' meaning 'beyond' or 'change,' and 'stasis,' meaning 'standing' or 'stability.' The word was adopted into medical terminology in the early 20th century as the understanding of cancer biology evolved. Initially, it was noted how certain cancers could lead to secondary growths in various body parts, prompting the need for a specific term. As research advanced, the concept became critical in oncology, focusing on how tumors spread, influencing treatment approaches and outcomes in cancer care.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,321 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.