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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
But the report, released Thursday, downplayed the threat the chemical poses to people living near industrial plants that release large quantities of the carcinogen into the air.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 3 Jan. 2025
The World Health Organization’s arm that researches cancer had already concluded in 2006 that the chemical is a carcinogen.
—Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
This ensures harmful chemicals, like carcinogens, don’t continue to recirculate in the environment.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
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
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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 21 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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