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.
The World Health Organization takes a much stronger stance, warning there is no safe level of alcohol consumption at all and categorizing it as a Group 1 carcinogen—alongside asbestos, radiation and tobacco. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 More than half of blackberry samples contained residue of the pesticide cypermethrin — which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as a possible human carcinogen. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 11 June 2025 In laboratory and animal studies, these compounds have been shown to decrease inflammation that can damage cells, which increases cancer risk, and inhibit enzymes that activate carcinogens. Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025 That directive follows routine testing that indicated the presence of elevated levels of a carcinogen, possibly in the groundwater. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 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 30 Jun. 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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