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

Studies have found oil wells can emit carcinogens and are linked to adverse health effects including respiratory issues, headaches, throat irritation and other problems. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Groundwater tests taken near the purge sites showed evidence of oil field wastewater pollution, including high levels of salt, bromide and the carcinogen benzene, which exceeded the EPA drinking water standard by five times. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026

The chemical is a long-term carcinogen, Toledo Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi said. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026

Toluene doesn’t appear on the National Toxicology Program’s list of carcinogens, but the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says exposure can cause nausea, tiredness, and drunken-type actions. — Tracy Middleton, Allure, 19 Oct. 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