Carcinogen


any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.
Contemporary Examples

The coal ash deposits have heavy concentrations of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen.
Chris Hedges and Joe Sacco Chronicle Mining Catastrophes in West Virginia Chris Hedges, Joe Sacco June 13, 2012

One study found it to be 30 times more potent a carcinogen.
The Fireplace Delusion: A Metaphor for Religious Belief Sam Harris February 2, 2012

Further, estrogen or carcinogen exposure over a lifetime leads to the development of cancer.
How Mom’s Hip Size Predicts Her Daughter’s Risk Kent L. Thornburg, PhD October 23, 2009

noun
(pathol) any substance that produces cancer
n.

“cancer-causing substance,” 1853, from carcinoma + -gen.

carcinogen car·cin·o·gen (kär-sĭn’ə-jən, kär’sə-nə-jěn’)
n.
A cancer-causing substance or agent.
car’cin·o·gen’ic (kär’sə-nə-jěn’ĭk) adj.
carcinogen
(kär-sĭn’ə-jən)
A substance or agent that can cause cells to become cancerous by altering their genetic structure so that they multiply continuously and become malignant. Asbestos, DDT, and tobacco smoke are examples of carcinogens.

Read Also:

  • Anticarious

    preventing or retarding caries.

  • Anti caste

    Sociology. an endogamous and hereditary social group limited to persons of the same rank, occupation, economic position, etc., and having mores distinguishing it from other such groups. any rigid system of social distinctions. Hinduism. any of the social divisions into which Hindu society is traditionally divided, each caste having its own privileges and limitations, transferred […]

  • Anticatalase

    a substance that inhibits the enzymatic action of a .

  • Anticatalyst

    an inhibitor. noun a substance that destroys or diminishes the activity of a catalyst another name for inhibitor (sense 2)

  • Catalysis

    Chemistry. the causing or accelerating of a chemical change by the addition of a . an action between two or more persons or forces, initiated by an agent that itself remains unaffected by the action: social catalyses occasioned by controversial writings. Historical Examples We call this catalysis, catalytic action, the action of presence, or by […]


Disclaimer: Carcinogen definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.