carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsi-nə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for carcinogen 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carcinogen was in 1853

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

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance that causes cancer
carcinogenic adjective

Medical Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on carcinogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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