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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
Many plastics contain harmful chemicals, including carcinogens.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Last June, a local chemical plant operated by Westlake Vinyls leaked 153 pounds of ethylene dichloride, a dangerous carcinogen, according to EPA records.
—
Lisa Song, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025
According to the American Cancer Society, 20% of all US cancers and 30% of all US deaths from cancer can be attributed to smoking, thanks to a laundry list of carcinogens in tobacco.
—
Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
Other carcinogens in that group include tobacco, asbestos and radiation.
—
Aria Bendix, NBC News, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for carcinogen 
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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 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.com: Encyclopedia article about carcinogen
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