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carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsi-nə-jən
ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen
: a substance or agent causing cancer
Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence
Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
Recent Examples on the Web
The majority of ethanol goes through the liver to be broken down by alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that works to change ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound and carcinogen.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
The agency considers diesel exhaust a likely carcinogen.
—Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Colorful food without carcinogens While nutritionists recommend that consumers stay away from foods that contain red dye or erythrosine on the label, there are healthier, natural alternatives to keep food fun.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
State's campus that had high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, carcinogens that were commonly used in construction prior to being banned in the late 70s.
—Zachery Eanes, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1853, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near carcinogen
Cite this Entry
“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsin-ə-jən
ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen
: a substance or agent causing cancer
More from Merriam-Webster on carcinogen
Nglish: Translation of carcinogen for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of carcinogen for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carcinogen
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