ETYM Latin malignans, -antis, p. pr. of malignare, malignari, to do or make maliciously. Related to Malign, Benignant.r /> (Pathology) Characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor).
Term used to describe a cancerous growth. It is also applied to any condition that could kill if untreated (as in malignant hypertension).