carcinogen

noun

car·cin·o·gen | \ kär-ˈsi-nə-jən

How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)

, ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen

How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)

\

Definition of carcinogen

: a substance or agent causing cancer

Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.

Recent Examples on the Web The facility is the sole emitter of vinyl bromide — a likely carcinogen that can harm the liver — in the state, another worry the groups cited. — Halle Parker | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "Environmental groups oppose Shintech's Louisiana expansion over air pollution concerns," 2 Feb. 2021 One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. — Ars Technica, "Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires," 28 Dec. 2020 One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. — Ars Technica, "Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires," 28 Dec. 2020 One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. — Ars Technica, "Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires," 28 Dec. 2020 One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. — Ars Technica, "Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires," 28 Dec. 2020 One sample found benzene, a carcinogen, at 40 times the state’s drinking water standard. — Amisha Shah, The Conversation, "Plastic pipes are polluting drinking water systems after wildfires - it’s a risk in urban fires, too," 14 Dec. 2020 It’s been classified as a carcinogen, according to the FDA. — Miranda Green, The Enquirer, "California's ban on toxic chemicals in cosmetics will transform industry," 28 Nov. 2020 Asbestos, a Quebec town that is home to what was once the largest asbestos mine in the world, no longer wants to be named after the carcinogen. — Marie Fazio New York Times, Star Tribune, "Quebec town of Asbestos votes to detoxify its name," 21 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'carcinogen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about carcinogen

Dictionary Entries near carcinogen

carcinoembryonic antigen

Statistics for carcinogen

Last Updated

16 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for carcinogen

carcinogen

noun

English Language Learners Definition of carcinogen

medical : a substance that can cause cancer

See the full definition for carcinogen in the English Language Learners Dictionary

carcinogen

noun

car·cin·o·gen | \ kär-ˈsin-ə-jən

, ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen

\

Medical Definition of carcinogen

: a substance or agent causing cancer

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on carcinogen

What made you want to look up carcinogen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

turbid

Listen to the pronunciation of turbid

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of perdure?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ