carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsi-nə-jən 
ˈkär-sə-nə-ˌjen
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
Coal tar sealant contains toxic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are recognized as human carcinogens, according to city officials.
—
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
A number of studies in recent months have revealed many popular braiding hair products include dangerous chemicals and carcinogens.
—Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Contaminants include asbestos, heavy metals, lead, formaldehyde, cyanide and carcinogens.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
Relaxers and chemical straighteners, touted for their easy-to-manage outcomes, saw a decline in use as more people learned about formaldehyde, a key ingredient in relaxer products and a carcinogen.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for carcinogen
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Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
A number of studies in recent months have revealed many popular braiding hair products include dangerous chemicals and carcinogens.
—Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Contaminants include asbestos, heavy metals, lead, formaldehyde, cyanide and carcinogens.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
Relaxers and chemical straighteners, touted for their easy-to-manage outcomes, saw a decline in use as more people learned about formaldehyde, a key ingredient in relaxer products and a carcinogen.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for carcinogen
Cite this Entry
“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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Medical Definition
carcinogen
noun
car·cin·o·gen
kär-ˈsin-ə-jən
ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen
ˈkärs-ᵊn-ə-ˌjen
: a substance or agent causing cancer
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