Definition of canker

The word "canker" originates from the Middle English word "cankour," which in turn stemmed from the Old French word "cancher." The Old French word was derived from the Latin word "cancer," which referred to a specific type of tumor. In Latin, "cancer" meant crab, and the term was used to describe the shape of the tumor, which resembled the legs of a crab. This association between tumors and crabs dates back to ancient Greek times, where tumors were also compared to crabs due to their ability to grip and cling onto the body before spreading. The word "canker" initially referred to cancerous tumors, but over time, the meaning of the word evolved. By the 14th century, "canker" began to be used to describe any type of destructive lesion, such as a rotting spot on a tree or a sore on the skin. Today, the word is still used in this broader sense to describe any kind of debilitating or destructive condition.