teratogen

[ tuh-rat-uh-juhn, -jen, ter-uh-tuh- ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a drug or other substance capable of interfering with the development of a fetus, causing birth defects.

teratogen

/ ˈtɛrətədʒən; tɪˈrætə- /

noun

1. any substance, organism, or process that causes malformations in a fetus. Teratogens include certain drugs (such as thalidomide), infections (such as German measles), and ionizing radiation

teratogen

/ tə-răt′ə-jən,tĕr′ə-tə- /

1. An agent, such as a virus, a drug, or radiation, that can cause malformations in an embryo or fetus.

Derived Forms

• ˌteratoˈgenicist, noun
• ˌteratoˈgenic, adjective
• ˌteratogeˈnicity, noun

Other Words From

• te·rato·genic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of teratogen¹

First recorded in 1900–05; terato- + -gen