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

The greatest health risks arise when tobacco is burned, which generates thousands of toxic substances, including carcinogens, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

According to Smith, some properties showed little-to-no concerning readings, while other properties, such as Liguori's, had elevated levels of benzo(a)pyrene, lead and dioxins – all of which are carcinogens. — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Active and abandoned oil and gas wells can spread carcinogens such as benzene, volatile organic compounds and radioactive material into surrounding soil, water and air. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

There have also been concerns over toilet paper that is bleached, as bleaching can create dioxins, and concerns over toilet paper that includes formaldehyde, a carcinogen. — Jillian Pretzel, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carcinogen

• plasminogen
• urobilinogen

Kids Definition

carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən  ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen 

: a substance that causes cancer

carcinogenic

ˌkärs-ᵊn-ō-ˈjen-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

carcinogen

noun

car·​cin·​o·​gen kär-ˈsin-ə-jən  ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen 

: a substance or agent causing cancer