malignancy

noun

ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
Synonyms of malignancynext
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
a
: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence
b
: a malignant tumor

Synonyms of malignancy

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Examples of malignancy in a Sentence

the malignancy of the tumor The test revealed a malignancy in the patient's chest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the tests didn’t reveal any malignancies. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 An effective treatment for pancreatic cancer would represent a major advance against one of the most lethal malignancies. — IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2025 Cancers of the head and neck include malignancies affecting the mouth and throat (called the oral cavity and pharynx), the voice box (larynx), the sinuses and nasal cavities, and the salivary glands. — Mikkael Sekeres, Washington Post, 18 May 2026 The researchers will now investigate its efficacy in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma and other malignancies, and fine tune delivery and dosage methods. — New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malignancy

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malignancy was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

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malignancy
malignant
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Cite this Entry

“Malignancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malignancy

noun
ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
: a malignant tumor

Medical Definition

malignancy

noun
ma·​lig·​nan·​cy mə-ˈlig-nən-sē How to pronounce malignancy (audio)
plural malignancies
1
: the quality or state of being malignant
2
a
: exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence
b
: a malignant tumor

More from Merriam-Webster on malignancy

Nglish: Translation of malignancy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about malignancy

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