metastasis
noun
me·tas·ta·sis
mə-ˈta-stə-səs 
plural metastases
mə-ˈta-stə-ˌsēz
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 bone—
Medical Physics
Medical Physics
also
: the process by which such spreading occurs
2
: a secondary malignant (see malignant sense 1) tumor resulting from metastasis
Examples of metastasis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The stage indicates the size and type of tumor and the amount of spread (metastasis) that has occurred.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
That might also suggest the contralateral breast cancer is a metastasis of the first breast cancer, Narod added.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 25 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and spread to other parts of the body.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
Preventing a contralateral breast cancer prevents cancer from arising in the other breast, but not metastases elsewhere in the body.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for metastasis 
Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
That might also suggest the contralateral breast cancer is a metastasis of the first breast cancer, Narod added.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 25 July 2024
According to the Cleveland Clinic, metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and spread to other parts of the body.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
Preventing a contralateral breast cancer prevents cancer from arising in the other breast, but not metastases elsewhere in the body.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for metastasis
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.
Dictionary Entries Near metastasis
Cite this Entry
“Metastasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metastasis. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metastasis
noun
me·tas·ta·sis
mə-ˈtas-tə-səs
plural metastases
-ˌsēz
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
plural metastases
-ˌsēz
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
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
David Plotkin, The Atlantic MonthlyLove words? Need even more definitions?
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