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

Diesel was recognized as a carcinogen and listed under Proposition 65 in 1990.

From Los Angeles Times

The process produces hazardous waste and releases carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are toxic at very low concentrations.

From Salon

Eight pesticides were found at the air monitoring stations, including 1,3-dichloropropene, a fumigant and probable human carcinogen used to kill crop-damaging pests in soil.

From Los Angeles Times

Oil wells emit likely carcinogens, including benzene and formaldehyde, and living near wells is linked to health problems including respiratory issues and preterm births, according to studies.

From Los Angeles Times

Tobacco companies don’t intentionally add carcinogens to cigarettes; they’re built into the product.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• poison
• toxin