mesothelioma

noun

me·​so·​the·​li·​o·​ma ˌme-zə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə How to pronounce mesothelioma (audio)
ˌmē-,
-sə-
plural mesotheliomas also mesotheliomata ˌme-zə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə-tə How to pronounce mesothelioma (audio)
ˌmē-,
-sə-
: a usually malignant tumor derived from mesothelial tissue (such as that lining the peritoneum or pleura)

Examples of mesothelioma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Generally, asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer. ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025 Navy personnel who worked in these high-risk environments now face a six-fold increase in the likelihood of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Cristina Johnson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025 Jordan Zevon, a musician in his own right, was in his early thirties when his dad died from mesothelioma in 2003. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025 In a recent trial, a judge ordered Johnson and Johnson to pay $45 million in a mesothelioma case while winning an ovarian cancer case, according to the outlet. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 23 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for mesothelioma

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesothelioma was circa 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mesothelioma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesothelioma. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

mesothelioma

noun
me·​so·​the·​li·​o·​ma ˌmez-ə-ˌthē-lē-ˈō-mə, ˌmēz-, ˌmēs-, ˌmes- How to pronounce mesothelioma (audio)
plural mesotheliomas also mesotheliomata -mət-ə How to pronounce mesothelioma (audio)
: a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue (as that lining the peritoneum or pleura)

More from Merriam-Webster on mesothelioma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!