Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
carcinogen
noun
/kɑːrˈsɪn.ə.dʒən/
Definition
A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
Examples
- Tobacco smoke is a well-known carcinogen.
- Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of being exposed to carcinogens.
- Asbestos is classified as a carcinogen due to its link to lung cancer.
Meaning
Carcinogens are agents that can lead to cancer by helping cells to grow uncontrollably or damaging the DNA within them.
Synonyms
- cancer-causing agent
- cancer-inducer
- tumorigen
