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

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.

Other Word Forms

• carcinogenic adjective
• carcinogenicity noun
• anticarcinogen noun
• anticarcinogenic 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

Long-term exposure is even worse, with the EPA website noting that “EtO is a human carcinogen. It causes cancer in humans.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Large quantities of dioxin and furan have been added to the atmosphere and these are carcinogens. And then we have calculated it may kill about 70 people in our country," says Prof Guneeardena.

From BBC

The test results also found high levels of chromium — which, in some chemical configurations, is a carcinogen — on one campus.

From Los Angeles Times

When scientists found a carcinogen in the drinking water of Santa Rosa, Calif., after the Tubbs fire, it triggered a race to develop measures to keep residents safe.

From Los Angeles Times

The Environmental Protection Agency does not consider it a carcinogen; however, exposure to barium can cause gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular effects, kidney damage and respiratory problems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• poison 
• toxin