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 Vinyl chloride, which is a chemical used to make PVC pipe, is considered a carcinogen. Max Filby, The Enquirer, 2 Feb. 2024 The train was carrying more than 700,000 pounds of vinyl chloride, a carcinogen, which is used to produce pipes, furniture and packaging. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2023 In fact, an investigation later showed that area residents, particularly those in low-income communities and communities of color, were exposed to carcinogens and other toxic substances. Jacob Carter, STAT, 10 Nov. 2023 The human carcinogen has been found in mulch in Sydney parks, on hospital grounds, at grocery stores, train stations and four schools, The New York Times reported. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 Many of the heavy metals and other contaminants in coal ash are known carcinogens. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024 The pouches may contain other carcinogens, Patel said. Dani Blum, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2024 Don’t overdo the backyard grill — charring fatty foods over charcoal can cause carcinogens that contribute to cancer, Rarback said. Rochelle Koff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Cigarette smoke certainly contains mutagens—more than sixty have been identified—and, by extension, carcinogens. Siddhartha Mukherjee, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carcinogen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carcinogen was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near carcinogen

Cite this Entry

“Carcinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carcinogen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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