canker
/ˈkæŋkər/
verb
- To infect or damage with a canker; to become diseased or decayed.
- The fungus cankered the tree's bark over several years.
- The wound cankered and became infected.
- Neglect can canker a once-healthy plant.
noun
- A small, painful sore inside the mouth, often on the tongue or cheeks.
- Eating spicy food made his canker hurt even more.
- The dentist said the canker would heal in about a week.
- She used a special mouthwash to treat her canker.
- A disease that damages the bark and wood of trees and plants, causing dead areas.
- The apple tree had a canker that killed several branches.
- Gardeners prune away canker to stop it from spreading.
- The canker on the oak tree was caused by a fungus.
- Something that spreads harm or corruption, like a destructive influence.
- The company's dishonest practices were a canker on its reputation.
- The politician called corruption a canker in the government.
- Gossip can be a canker that destroys friendships.