metastasis

noun

me·​tas·​ta·​sis mə-ˈta-stə-səs How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
plural metastases mə-ˈta-stə-ˌsēz How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
1
a
: change of position, state, or form
b
: the spread of a disease-producing agency (such as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body
metastasis of breast cancer to boneMedical Physics
also : the process by which such spreading occurs
2
: a secondary malignant (see malignant sense 1) tumor resulting from metastasis
metastatic adjective
metastatically adverb

Examples of metastasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clones that develop mutations conferring resistance to anti-cancer therapies are the ones that flourish and form metastases. Siddhartha Mukherjee, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 However, no lymph nodes will be affected, and there will be no evidence of metastasis. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2023 His cancer was considered curable because his metastases were limited to two tumors in his liver that were surgically resected, along with the primary tumor, with clear margins. Mara Buchbinder, STAT, 29 Oct. 2023 Suzanne Somers’ died of breast cancer with metastasis to the brain, according to her death certificate obtained by the Blast. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2023 Stage 1 lung cancer is diagnosed when there is no evidence of cancer in nearby lymph nodes and no signs of metastasis. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2023 The higher the number, the more invasive the tumor is into the dermis and to other organs of the body in a process called metastasis. Enrique Torchia, Fortune Well, 20 Aug. 2023 This process has implications for various physiological and pathological processes where cell motility is crucial, such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis [15]. The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Aug. 2023 By reducing inflammation, these mushrooms may help create an environment less conducive to tumor growth and metastasis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metastasis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin, transition, from Greek, from methistanai to change, from meta- + histanai to set — more at stand

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of metastasis was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near metastasis

Cite this Entry

“Metastasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metastasis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metastasis

noun
me·​tas·​ta·​sis mə-ˈtas-tə-səs How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
plural metastases -ˌsēz How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
1
: the spread of something that produces disease (as cancer cells) from the original location of disease to another part of the body
2
: a growth of a malignant tumor in another part of the body resulting from metastasis

Medical Definition

metastasis

noun
me·​tas·​ta·​sis mə-ˈtas-tə-səs How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
plural metastases -ˌsēz How to pronounce metastasis (audio)
1
a
: change of position, state, or form
b
: the spread of a disease-producing agent (as cancer cells or bacteria) or disease from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body
The overwhelming concern about prostate cancer is its potential for metastasis—for cells to escape the gland and take root in lymph nodes, bones, lungs, skin, or other tissue.Tom Alexander, Fortune
also : the process by which such spreading occurs
2
: a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis
… radiation has no known effect on distant metastases from breast cancer …David Plotkin, The Atlantic Monthly

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