melanoma

noun

mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌme-lə-ˈnō-mə 

plural melanomas also melanomata ˌme-lə-ˈnō-mə-tə 

1

: a tumor containing dark pigment

2

: a highly malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely

Examples of melanoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This breakthrough approach has become an invaluable therapeutic for several advanced forms of cancer, including melanoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Following his diagnosis, Carter’s melanoma was treated with immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, which had only been FDA-approved the previous year. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

While emceeing the Melanoma Research Foundation's 23rd Annual New York City Gala on Thursday, Oct. 24, the former The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member, 43, opened up about how Richards, 55, played an essential role in her melanoma journey. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024

Nail melanoma most commonly affects the big toe, thumb, or index finger. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

melan- (in melanosis, melanotic) + -oma

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing melanoma

• malignant melanoma

Kids Definition

melanoma

noun

mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌmel-ə-ˈnō-mə 

plural melanomas also melanomata -mət-ə 

: a usually malignant tumor containing dark pigment

Medical Definition

melanoma

noun

mel·​a·​no·​ma ˌmel-ə-ˈnō-mə 

plural melanomas also melanomata -mət-ə 

1

: a benign or malignant skin tumor containing dark pigment

2

: a tumor of high malignancy that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely

called also malignant melanoma, melanocarcinoma, melanoepithelioma, melanosarcoma