malignancy etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: malignant ("harmful, malevolent")
  • French: maligne
  • Middle English: maligne

Meaning:

A malignancy is a cancerous growth or tumor that is characterized by abnormal cell growth, invasion of surrounding tissues, and potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Origin:

The term "malignancy" originated from the Latin word malignant, meaning "harmful" or "malevolent." It was used in medicine as early as the 16th century to describe tumors that were considered to be incurable and eventually fatal.

The concept of malignancy evolved over time as scientific understanding of cancer improved. In the 19th century, German pathologist Rudolf Virchow described the characteristics of malignant tumors, including their uncontrolled cell division, invasion of surrounding tissues, and ability to metastasize.

Today, "malignancy" is a well-established term used in medicine to refer to cancerous tumors. It is distinct from "benign" tumors, which are non-cancerous and typically do not spread beyond their original location.

malignancy relate terms

  • malignant

    Etymology From Middle English malignant from Late Latin malignāns harmful mischiev

  • malignity

    Etymology Latin malignus meaning malicious harmful evil Proto Indo European

  • veil

    Etymology The word veil derives from the Old French word veile which in turn comes f

  • vile

    Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

  • evil

    Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

  • live

    Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de

  • disease

    Etymology Middle English disease from Old French desese from Latin dis aese not

  • seaside

    Etymology The word seaside is a combination of two Old English words sǣ pronounced

  • deserve

    Etymology The word deserve comes from the Old French word deservir which is derived

  • purpose

    Etymology Latin propositum n from the verb proponere to put forth propose Pro