glioblastoma

noun

glio·​blas·​to·​ma ˌglī-ō-ˌbla-ˈstō-mə How to pronounce glioblastoma (audio)
variants or less commonly glioblastoma multiforme
-ˌməlt-ə-ˈfȯrm-ē How to pronounce glioblastoma (audio)
plural glioblastomas also glioblastomata ˌglī-ō-ˌbla-ˈstō-mə-tə How to pronounce glioblastoma (audio) or glioblastomas multiforme or glioblastoma multiformes
: a malignant rapidly growing astrocytoma of the central nervous system and usually of a cerebral hemisphere

Examples of glioblastoma 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.
Low-grade astrocytomas are more common in children, while high-grade astrocytomas, such as glioblastoma, tend to grow and spread within the brain and spinal cord quickly and are more common in adults. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Due to the lack of treatment options, the median life expectancy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma is less than a year. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 Examples include funding exam rooms, cervical cancer screening tools, and glioblastoma research. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In September 2025, after experiencing persistent headaches, Conor was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glioblastoma

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from glia glia + blast- + -oma

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glioblastoma was circa 1923

Rhymes for glioblastoma

See All Rhymes for glioblastoma

Browse Nearby Words

glio-
glioblastoma
gliocyte
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glioblastoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glioblastoma. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

glioblastoma

noun
glio·​blas·​to·​ma ˌglī-(ˌ)ō-bla-ˈstō-mə How to pronounce glioblastoma (audio)
plural glioblastomas also glioblastomata -mət-ə How to pronounce glioblastoma (audio)
: a malignant rapidly growing astrocytoma of the central nervous system and usually of a cerebral hemisphere
Glioblastoma is the worst grade of malignant glioma, a relatively uncommon but deadly class of brain tumors that kills 97% of those diagnosed within 5 years.—Greg Miller, Science

called also glioblastoma multiforme

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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