# carcinogenic

/ˌkɑɹsənoʊˈdʒɛnɪk/ (US) · /kˌɑːsɪnəʊdʒˈɛnɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carcinogenic
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

describing something that can cause cancer in living tissue. You use this to talk about chemicals or substances that are dangerous to your health.

For teachers: relating to, or causing, the development of cancer. Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe substances or radiation that damage DNA.

## Examples

- The factory stopped using carcinogenic chemicals in its new process.
- Health officials issued a warning after discovering that the local water supply contained a known carcinogenic substance.
- While some environmental factors are clearly carcinogenic, others may only contribute to the risk of cancer when combined with genetic predispositions or lifestyle choices.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.