Canker
/ˈkæŋ.kər/noun
A plant disease, a spreading sore or ulcer, or something that gradually corrupts or destroys.
Did you know?Canker is tied to a very old word family for a dog’s bark or a harsh croaking sound, likely imitating the rough, gnawing noise of something eating away at wood or flesh.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱen-
“to resound, make a sharp sound”
Late Latin
Latin
cancer
“a crab; also a spreading ulcer”
Old North French
Old French
cancre
“a crab; a canker, ulcer”
Middle English
English
canker
“a spreading sore, ulcer, or destructive blight”
Modern English
English
canker
“a plant disease, sore, or corrupting influence”