carcinogen

[ kahr-sin-uh-juhn, -jen, kahr-suh-nuh-jen, -noh- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.

carcinogen

/ ˈkɑːsɪnəˌdʒɛn; kɑːˈsɪnədʒən /

noun

1. pathol any substance that produces cancer

carcinogen

/ kär-sĭn′ə-jən /

1. A substance or agent that can cause cells to become cancerous by altering their genetic structure so that they multiply continuously and become malignant. Asbestos, DDT, and tobacco smoke are examples of carcinogens.

Derived Forms

• ˌcarcinogenˈicity, noun
• ˌcarcinoˈgenic, adjective

Other Words From

• car·cin·o·gen·ic [kahr-s, uh, -n, uh, -, jen, -ik, -noh-], adjective
• car·ci·no·ge·nic·i·ty [kahr-s, uh, -noh-j, uh, -, nis, -i-tee], noun
• anti·car·cino·gen noun
• anti·carcin·o·genic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carcinogen¹

First recorded in 1935–40; carcino- + -gen

Word History and Origins

Origin of carcinogen¹

C20: from Greek karkinos cancer + -gen

Example Sentences

The coal ash deposits have heavy concentrations of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen.

From The Daily Beast

One study found it to be 30 times more potent a carcinogen.

From The Daily Beast

Further, estrogen or carcinogen exposure over a lifetime leads to the development of cancer.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• poison
• toxin