Carcinogenic: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'carcinogenic' is derived from the Greek word 'karkinós', meaning 'crab', referring to the way that cancer grows. The suffix '-genic' is from Greek 'genes', meaning 'born of' or 'produced by'. The use of the word in the context of substances that can cause cancer began to emerge in scientific literature in the early 20th century as researchers started correlating environmental factors with cancer rates. Various governmental organizations, like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), were established in the latter half of the 20th century to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of different agents based on extensive research and epidemiological studies. The increase in awareness and the classification of different substances as carcinogenic have significant implications for public health, as it guides regulations and safety measures to reduce exposure and prevent cancer.

With rank #16,900, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16900 carcinogenic
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