canker meaning and definition

CANKER noun

Definition of canker (noun)

1. a fungal disease of woody plants that causes localized damage to the bark
2. an ulceration (especially of the lips or lining of the mouth)
   • synonyms: canker sore
3. a pernicious and malign influence that is hard to get rid of
   • "racism is a pestilence at the heart of the nation"; "according to him, I was the canker in their midst"
   • synonyms: pestilence

CANKER verb

Definition of canker (verb)

1. become infected with a canker
2. infect with a canker