cankered

[ kang-kerd ]
/ ˈkæŋ kərd /

adjective

morally corrupt.
(of plants)
  1. destroyed or having portions destroyed by the feeding of a cankerworm.
  2. having a cankerous part; infected with a canker.

Origin of cankered

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at canker, -ed3

OTHER WORDS FROM cankered

can·kered·ly, adverb can·kered·ness, noun un·can·kered, adjective

Definition for cankered (2 of 2)

canker
[ kang-ker ]
/ ˈkæŋ kər /

noun

verb (used with object)

to infect with canker.
to corrupt; destroy slowly.

verb (used without object)

to become infected with or as if with canker.

Origin of canker

before 1000; Middle English; Old English cancer < Latin cancer; see cancer

SYNONYMS FOR canker

Example sentences from the Web for cankered

British Dictionary definitions for cankered

canker
/ (ˈkæŋkə) /

noun

an ulceration, esp of the lips or lining of the oral cavity
vet science
  1. a disease of horses in which the horn of the hoofs becomes soft and spongy
  2. an inflammation of the lining of the external ear, esp in dogs and cats, resulting in a discharge and sometimes ulceration
  3. ulceration or abscess of the mouth, eyelids, ears, or cloaca of birds
an open wound in the stem of a tree or shrub, caused by injury or parasites
something evil that spreads and corrupts

verb

to infect or become infected with or as if with canker

Word Origin for canker

Old English cancer, from Latin cancer crab, cancerous sore

Medical definitions for cankered

canker
[ kăngkər ]

n.

Ulceration of the mouth and lips.
An acute inflammation or infection of the ear and auditory canal, especially in dogs and cats.
Cancrum.