carcinogen JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/kɑɹˈsɪnədʒən/ · car·ci·no·gen

noun

A substance or agent that can cause cancer. Asbestos is a well‑known carcinogen that can lead to lung cancer.

Synonyms

cancer‑causing agent mutagen oncogen tumorigen cancer agent carcinogenic substance carcinogenetic factor neoplastic agent

Antonyms

anti‑carcinogen carcinogen inhibitor cancer preventive

Did you know? The word 'carcinogen' was coined in the 1940s after scientists discovered that certain chemicals could reliably induce tumors in laboratory animals, marking a turning point in public health awareness.

Related terms

cancer oncology mutagen carcinogenic tumor DNA damage

Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026