Carcinogen Meaning
/kɑɹˈsɪnəd͡ʒən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA substance or agent that can cause cancer.
Sentence Examples
DDT is a carcinogen which was commonly used in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
DDT is a famous carcinogen.
The remedy has come under fire lately as a possible carcinogen.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Scientists identified the chemical as a known ____ that causes lung tumors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tobacco smoke is a known ____ that can cause several serious health.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English carcino- Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Hellenic *génos Ancient Greek γένος (génos) Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *-ēs Ancient Greek -ης (-ēs) Ancient Greek -γενής (-genḗs)lbor. French -gènebor. English -gen English carcinogen From carcino- + -gen.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"We know there are substances in our environment that are proven carcinogens—ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, organochlorines, pesticides and herbicides."
— 1995 October 26, Barbra Wiener, Executive Director Women's Cancer Resource Center Minneapolis, “Letter: Focus Cancer Research on Prevention”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 30 Jun 2013:
"This isn’t the first benzene-related recall of 2021. In July, Johnson & Johnson recalled some spray-on Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens after it detected low levels of the carcinogen in the products."
— 2021 November 26, Jackie Wattles, “Some Old Spice and Secret deodorants recalled after cancer-causing chemical is detected”, in CNN Business:
"“There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens from food contact materials recently purchased all over the world can be found in people,” said study coauthor Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, that focuses on science communication and research."
— 2024 September 24, Sandee LaMotte, “Chemicals linked to breast cancer leach into our foods, study finds”, in CNN:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Scientists identified the chemical as a known ____ that causes lung tumors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tobacco smoke is a known ____ that can cause several serious health.