metastasize
[ muh-tas-tuh-sahyz ]
/ məˈtæs təˌsaɪz /
verb (used without object), me·tas·ta·sized, me·tas·ta·siz·ing.
Pathology.
(of malignant cells or disease-producing organisms) to spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.
to spread injuriously: Street gangs have metastasized in our city.
to transform, especially into a dangerous form: The KGB metastasized after the fall of the Soviet Union. Truth metastasized into lurid fantasy.
Also
especially British,
me·tas·ta·sise.
Origin of metastasize
First recorded in 1905–10;
metastas(is) +
-ize
Words nearby metastasize
metasoma,
metasomatism,
metastable,
metastasio,
metastasis,
metastasize,
metastatic abscess,
metastatic calcification,
metatag,
metatarsal,
metatarsal arch
British Dictionary definitions for metastasised
metastasize
metastasise
/ (mɪˈtæstəˌsaɪz) /
verb (intr)
pathol
(esp of cancer cells) to spread to a new site in the body via blood or lymph vessels
(of a problem) to deteriorate or spread into new areas
Medical definitions for metastasised
metastasize
[ mə-tăs′tə-sīz′ ]
v.
To be transmitted or transferred by or as if by metastasis.