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
Tumor resection, including limb amputation, is the usual first-line treatment, while chemotherapy is given in combination with surgery to improve survival time by reducing the risk of metastasis.
—Paul McClure 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
When news broke on Sunday about Biden’s diagnosis of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone, there were many expressions of sympathy from both sides of the aisle.
—Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025
Moreover, Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis came with the presence of bone metastases, meaning the disease has spread.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metastasis
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Paul McClure 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
When news broke on Sunday about Biden’s diagnosis of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone, there were many expressions of sympathy from both sides of the aisle.
—Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025
Moreover, Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis came with the presence of bone metastases, meaning the disease has spread.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025
On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metastasis
Cite this Entry
“Metastasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metastasis. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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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