Carcinogen

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ‘rˈsɪnÉ™dÊ’É›n/

Origin

From - + gen + -.

Full definition of carcinogen

Noun

1. A substance or agent that can cause cancer.
• 1995, Barbra Wiener, Executive Director Women's Cancer Resource Center Minneapolis, "Letter: Focus Cancer Research on Prevention," New York Times, 26 Oct. (retrieved 19 Oct. 2009):We know there are substances in our environment that are proven carcinogens—ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, organochlorines, pesticides and herbicides.

Related terms

• carcinoid
• carcinology
• carcinogenic
• carcinoma