(esp of cells) displaying characteristics that may develop into cancer
precancerous in American English
(priˈkænsərəs)
adjective
that may or is likely to become cancerous
a precancerous mole
precancerous in American English
(priˈkænsərəs)
adjective
showing pathological changes that may be preliminary to malignancy
Word origin
[1880–85; pre + cancerous]This word is first recorded in the period 1880–85. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Chief of Staff, automatism, barnstorm, jackpot, rain check
Examples of 'precancerous' in a sentence
precancerous
Three were precancerous and four were benign.
The Sun (2011)
Its aim is to spot precancerous changes.
The Sun (2010)
After keeping the appointment she was recalled for further tests and told that she had 'precancerous changes'.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Experimental evidence suggests that dairy could also promote the conversion of precancerous lesions or mutated cells into invasive cancers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Both vaccines should also protect against the precancerous stages of cervical disease, causing fewer abnormal smears.