v.
(cancels, cancelling, cancelled; US also cancels, canceling, canceled)
- decide that (a planned event) will not take place.
▸annul or revoke:
his visa had been cancelled.
- mark or tear (a ticket or stamp) to show that it has been used or invalidated.
-
(often cancel something out)
(of a factor or circumstance) neutralize or negate the effect of (another).
- Mathematics delete (an equal factor) from both sides of an equation or from the numerator and denominator of a fraction.
n.
- a mark made on a postage stamp to show that it has been used.
- Printing a new page or section inserted in a book to replace the original text.
- US (in music) a natural sign (♮).
Derivative
- cancellation n.
- canceller n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. canceller, from L. cancellare, from cancelli ‘crossbars’.