Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

oncogenic

adjective on·co·gen·ic \ ˌäŋ-kō-ˈje-nik \

Definition of oncogenic

1 : relating to tumor formation
2 : tending to cause tumors
—

oncogenicity

play \ˌäŋ-kō-jə-ˈni-sə-tē\ noun

First Known Use of oncogenic

1936

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

oncogenic

adjective on·co·gen·ic \ -ˈjen-ik \
variants: also oncogenous play \äŋ-ˈkäj-ə-nəs\

medical Definition of oncogenic

1 : relating to tumor formation
2 : tending to cause tumors
  • an oncogenic virus
  • oncogenic tars
—

oncogenically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
—

oncogenicity

play \-jə-ˈnis-ət-ē\ noun

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up oncogenic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

jabberwocky

play

meaningless speech or writing

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

oncogenic

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games