metastasize
muh-TAS-tuh-size
/mɪˈtæstəsaɪz/
To spread from an initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body (typically used for cancer cells).
Specifically describes malignant cells breaking away and traveling through blood or lymph to form secondary tumors.
The story behind the word. Derived from Ancient Greek 'metastasis', combining 'meta-' (implying change or beyond) and 'stasis' (standing/position). Originally used by ancient rhetoricians for shifting arguments, modern medicine adopted it to describe tumor relocation.
Word relationships
- spread: 'Spread' is everyday language, while 'metastasize' is the exact biological mechanism of cancer cells traveling.
- disseminate: 'Disseminate' means to scatter widely (often information), whereas 'metastasize' specifically implies setting up secondary disease sites.
- remain localized: Remaining localized means staying restricted to the primary origin point.
Commonly confused with
- proliferate: Proliferate means multiplying rapidly in number; metastasize means migrating to distant bodily organs.
Word family
- metastasis (noun): The development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site.
- metastatic (adjective): Relating to or affected by metastasis.
Collocations
- metastasize to distant organs
- tendency to metastasize
- metastasize rapidly
Example sentences
- "If not treated promptly, primary breast cancer cells can metastasize to the lungs and bone tissue." Oncology diagnosis quote.
- "Political corruption metastasized throughout the regional government, infecting every public agency." Figurative social analysis.
Memory hook
META-STASIZE: Changing (META) its standing place (STASIS). Moving house! Meta (change) + Stasis (place) = Changing location.
When not to use
Do not use 'metastasize' to describe simple contagious spread between two people; it occurs within one body.
Fun facts
- Metastasizing cells must overcome extraordinary hurdles, including surviving sheer forces inside blood vessels and evading the immune system.
Related words
Explore more words
disseminate, atrophy, Transmit, germinate, inoculate, replication
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