Word
carcinogen
Phoneticscar·cino·gen
US/kɑɹˈsɪnədʒən/
UK/kˈɑːsɪnədʒən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that can cause cancer if you are around it a lot, like tobacco smoke or asbestos.
n. a substance or agent capable of causing cancer in living tissue, typically through prolonged or repeated exposure. Includes chemical compounds, radiation, and certain viruses.
Examples
“Tobacco smoke contains a strong carcinogen.”
“The factory tests its products to make sure they contain no known carcinogen.”
“Researchers classified the industrial solvent as a probable carcinogen after long-term studies linked repeated exposure to higher rates of liver cancer.”
Examples
simple
“Tobacco smoke contains a strong carcinogen.”
contextual
“The factory tests its products to make sure they contain no known carcinogen.”
complex
“Researchers classified the industrial solvent as a probable carcinogen after long-term studies linked repeated exposure to higher rates of liver cancer.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “carcinogen” in context.
Verb
01. avoid carcinogen
“Check labels carefully to avoid carcinogens in household products.”
verb + noun
02. carcinogen causes
“Once inhaled, the carcinogen causes mutations in lung cells.”
noun + verb
03. carcinogen induces
“In animal tests, the carcinogen induces tumors within months.”
noun + verb
04. classify as carcinogen
“The board voted to classify the chemical as a carcinogen.”
verb + prep + noun
05. contain carcinogen
“Some cheap plastics may contain carcinogens that leach over time.”
verb + noun
06. expose to carcinogen
“Workers should never be exposed to this carcinogen without protection.”
verb + prep + noun
07. identify carcinogen
“Scientists work to identify carcinogens before they reach consumers.”
verb + noun
Adjective
08. human carcinogen
“Formaldehyde was confirmed as a human carcinogen by researchers.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. exposure to carcinogen
“Long-term exposure to the carcinogen increases health risks.”
noun + prep + noun
10. classified as a known carcinogen
“The substance was classified as a known carcinogen in 2019.”
11. contains a known carcinogen
“This product contains a known carcinogen and should be avoided.”
12. exposure to a potent carcinogen
“The leak led to exposure to a potent carcinogen.”
Real-World Examples
“Exposure to carcinogens in the workplace in the form of inhaled chemicals such as arsenic , beryllium, cadmium, silica and nickel is still a concern in some parts of the world.” “Nicotine replacement therapy, on the other hand, is an FDA-approved medical treatment that delivers controlled, low amounts of nicotine without the many carcinogens and toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke.” “Sunlight plays an important role in vitamin D production and overall health, but it is also classified as a complete carcinogen, meaning it can both start and promote cancer.” “The greatest health risks arise when tobacco is burned, which generates thousands of toxic substances , including carcinogens, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter.” Etymology
From carcino- + -gen.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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