A descriptive term for things capable of causing cancer.
carcinogen car·cin·o·gen (kär-sĭn'ə-jən, kär'sə-nə-jěn')
n.
A cancer-causing substance or agent.
| carcinogen (kär-sĭn'ə-jən) Pronunciation Key
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. |