MALIGNANT Meaning and
Definition
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The adjective "malignant" refers to something that is harmful, dangerous, or evil in nature. It is commonly associated with medical terminology and specifically used to describe cells or tumors that are cancerous and likely to spread and cause harm. In this context, malignant cells are characterized by their rapid and uncontrolled multiplication, invading nearby tissues and potentially spreading to distant parts of the body through a process called metastasis.
In a broader sense, "malignant" can also be used to describe individuals or behaviors that exhibit a malicious, spiteful, or malevolent intent. Such people or actions are driven by ill will or a desire to cause harm, pain, or suffering to others.
The term can further be applied to non-medical scenarios, such as in literature or storytelling, to describe a malevolent force or a character that embodies evil qualities. Additionally, it can be used to characterize traits, ideas, or forces within society that are considered harmful, corrupt, or detrimental.
Overall, "malignant" describes anything that possesses the capacity to cause harm, whether in the realm of biology, human behavior, or wider societal impact.
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Resistant to treatment; occurring in severe form; tending to grow worse, and (in the case of a tumor) to recur after removal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Actuated by extreme enmity or malice; virulent; dangerous to life; extremely heinous.
• In Eng. hist., one of the adherents of the house of Stuart-so called by the opposite party.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of MALIGNANT
The word "malignant" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "malignus", which is derived from "malus" meaning "bad" or "evil". In Latin, "malignus" was used to describe something harmful, destructive, or having ill intentions. It was further adopted into Old French and Middle English, and eventually evolved to the modern English word "malignant", which is used to describe something harmful, threatening, or cancerous in a medical context.
Similar spelling words for MALIGNANT
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