Cankerous

/ˈkæŋkərəs/ adjective

Definition

Affected with, resembling, or producing canker; full of corruption or decay.

Etymology

Formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-ous' to 'canker'. Creates an adjective meaning 'characterized by or full of canker' or 'having the quality of canker.'

Kelly Says

Unlike 'cankered' (affected by canker), 'cankerous' can mean full of canker or tending to cause canker—it's the difference between 'diseased tree' and 'disease-causing fungus,' a subtle distinction English made with different suffixes.

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