Gangraina is used of a spreading destructive condition as an image for the spread of their word.

The sole attested use compares the spread of “their word” to a destructive condition that spreads.

1. A spreading destructive condition · dominant

   In 2 Timothy 2:17, the nominative singular feminine form stands in the comparison describing how “their word” will spread; the APB renders the clause, “their word will spread like gangrene.”

   2 Timothy 2:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: In 2 Timothy 2:17, the APB presents the comparison as “their word will spread like gangrene.” This rendering confirms the clause's image without isolating every contribution of the Greek form.