carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsi-nə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

Examples of carcinogen in a Sentence

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both agencies are at odds with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which classifies it as a probable carcinogen. John Klar, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025 Yet, potassium bromate is also classified as a possible human carcinogen. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Because many of these meats are known to contain carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), eating a large amount increases your cancer risk. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025 Gas cooking emits toxic chemicals like benzene, a carcinogen, and nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant that can exacerbate asthma, cardiopulmonary disease and other conditions. Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carcinogen

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carcinogen was in 1853

Cite this Entry

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance that causes cancer
carcinogenic adjective

Medical Definition

carcinogen

noun
car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən How to pronounce carcinogen (audio) ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce carcinogen (audio)
: a substance or agent causing cancer

More from Merriam-Webster on carcinogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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