teratogen

noun

te·​rato·​gen tə-ˈra-tə-jən 

: a teratogenic agent

Examples of teratogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What researchers know for sure is that alcohol is a teratogen -- an agent that causes birth defects. — Anchorage Daily News, 24 June 2019

Some substances, known as teratogens, are perfectly fine for adults but are toxic for developing fetuses. — Yvette D'entremont, SELF, 13 Oct. 2017

It is not characterized as a carcinogen, but is a teratogen, an agent that can disturb the development of the embryo or fetus after prolonged exposure. — Dori Price, Good Housekeeping, 24 Aug. 2022

According to Levin, these results show that the brain protects the developing body against drugs that otherwise might be dangerous teratogens (compounds that cause birth defects). — Adam Rogers, WIRED, 18 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

terato- + -gen, after teratogenic

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

teratogen

noun

te·​rato·​gen tə-ˈrat-ə-jən 

: a teratogenic agent (as a drug or virus)