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Carcinogenic: meaning, definitions and examples

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carcinogenic

 

[ kɑːrsɪˈnoʊdʒɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

health risk

Carcinogenic refers to any substance, organism, or radiation that is capable of causing cancer in living tissues. These agents can alter cellular metabolism or damage DNA directly, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation. The term is commonly used in discussions about chemical exposure, environmental hazards, and certain lifestyle choices that may increase cancer risk. Understanding and identifying carcinogenic substances are crucial in public health and safety measures.

Synonyms

cancer-causing, oncogenic, tumorigenic

Examples of usage

  • Asbestos is known to be a carcinogenic material.
  • Some food additives have been classified as potential carcinogenic agents.
  • The carcinogenic effects of smoking are well-documented.

Translations

Translations of the word "carcinogenic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carcinogênico

🇮🇳 कर्करोगजनक

🇩🇪 krebserregend

🇮🇩 karsinogenik

🇺🇦 канцерогенний

🇵🇱 rakotwórczy

🇯🇵 発がん性の

🇫🇷 cancérogène

🇪🇸 carcinógeno

🇹🇷 kanserojen

🇰🇷 발암성의

🇸🇦 مسّرطِن

🇨🇿 karcinogenní

🇸🇰 karcinogénny

🇨🇳 致癌的

🇸🇮 karcinogen

🇮🇸 krabbameinsvaldandi

🇰🇿 қатерлі

🇬🇪 კარცინოგენური

🇦🇿 xərçəngogen

🇲🇽 carcinógeno

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

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