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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
Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the same carcinogens and toxic chemicals as secondhand tobacco smoke, along with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
—David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Proactiv contained 18 times the amount of the potent carcinogen allowed in U.S. drugs, the analysis published on Monday in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found.
—Anna Edney/bloomberg, TIME, 7 Oct. 2024
Their casings are breaking apart and releasing carcinogens into the seas.
—Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024
Calla lilies are traditionally a funeral flower, so adding a few carcinogens to the arrangement kind of makes sense.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2024
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 Nov. 2024.
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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