precancerous

adjective

pre·​can·​cer·​ous (ˌ)prē-ˈkan(t)s-rəs How to pronounce precancerous (audio)
-ˈkan(t)-sə-
: tending to become cancerous
a precancerous lesion

Examples of precancerous in a Sentence

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.
The blood test is repeated every three years, and a positive result must be followed by a colonoscopy to confirm whether cancer or precancerous polyps are present. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026 For the past four years, the reality star and business owner has received abnormal Pap smear results, showing precancerous cells. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 Knoepfler cautioned that this peptide could theoretically also encourage the growth of precancerous cells. — Sarah Boden, NPR, 23 Feb. 2026 That's because of their lower sensitivity for detecting both advanced precancerous lesions and early-stage cancers. — Amber Brenza, Health, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for precancerous

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of precancerous was in 1879

Rhymes for precancerous

See All Rhymes for precancerous

Browse Nearby Words

precancel
precancerous
precapitalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precancerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precancerous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

precancerous

adjective
pre·​can·​cer·​ous -ˈkan(t)s-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce precancerous (audio)
: tending to become cancerous : premalignant
a precancerous lesion
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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