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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
Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a phytochemical that is considered a carcinogen, and can also cause damage to the liver.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
Nitrosamines are classified as probable human carcinogens, with long-term exposure potentially increasing the risk of developing cancer.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
There are lots of different types of PAHs, many of which have been classed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible or probable carcinogens (chemicals that cause cancer in humans).
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Inorganic arsenic is a carcinogen and acute arsenic poisoning can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, per the World Health Organization (WHO).
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 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 Jan. 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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