Tumor

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /tjuː.mÉ™/
• UK IPA: /tuː.məɹ/
• Rhymes: -uːmÉ™(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• tumour Commonwealth

Origin

From Old French tumour, from Latin tumor ("swelling"), from tumeō ("I bulge, swell"). English usage attested since the 16th century.

Full definition of tumor

Noun

1. (oncology, pathology) An abnormal growth; differential diagnosis includes abscess, metaplasia, and neoplasia.

Usage notes

Tumor is the standard US spelling and an alternative spelling in Canada. Tumour is the standard modern spelling elsewhere.

Synonyms

• (an abnormal growth) neoplasm

Hyponyms

• (an abnormal growth) adenoma, granuloma

Derived terms

• tumorigenesis