Meaning & Definition of word "Carcinogen"

Carcinogen

/kɑːrˈsɪnəˌdʒɛn/

1. A substance or agent that is capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
- Example: Asbestos is known to be a powerful carcinogen that can lead to lung cancer.
2. Any factor that increases the risk of cancer.
- Example: Tobacco smoke contains several carcinogens that contribute to cancer development.
3. A chemical or physical agent that is capable of inducing carcinogenesis.
- Example: Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by various health organizations.
4. An environmental or industrial substance that has been linked to cancer.
- Example: Certain pesticides have been identified as potential carcinogens in agricultural practices.
5. A term used in the context of cancer research to denote substances that promote tumor formation.
- Example: The study aimed to identify new carcinogens that are formed during the cooking process of certain foods.

Derived from 'carcinoma' (cancer) and the Greek suffix '-gen' meaning 'producer' or 'former'.

carcinogenic effects:

The harmful effects on health that can lead to cancer.

known carcinogen:

A substance that has been scientifically proven to cause cancer.

potential carcinogen:

A substance that is suspected of causing cancer but not yet definitively classified as such.

carcinogenic:

Pertaining to or causing cancer.

oncogen:

A gene that has the potential to cause cancer.

mutagen:

An agent that causes genetic mutation, which may lead to cancer.

Meaning: cancer causer

Example Sentence: That processed meat is a cancer causer, some say it's a carcinogen.

Meaning: cancer bomb

Example Sentence: Smoking cigarettes is like carrying a cancer bomb, full of carcinogens.