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Oncogenic: meaning, definitions and examples

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oncogenic

 

[ ɒnˈkoʊdʒənɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

cancer research

Oncogenic refers to genes or agents that are capable of causing cancer. These may be mutations in DNA that lead to uncontrolled cell growth, or they can be viral infections that induce cellular transformations. Understanding oncogenic factors is crucial in cancer research and treatment.

Synonyms

cancer-causing, neoplastic, tumorigenic

Examples of usage

  • The oncogenic virus alters the host's DNA.
  • They studied the oncogenic properties of specific mutations.
  • Oncogenic signaling pathways are vital in tumor formation.

Translations

Translations of the word "oncogenic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oncogénico

🇮🇳 ऑन्कोजेनिक

🇩🇪 onkogen

🇮🇩 onkogenik

🇺🇦 онкогенний

🇵🇱 onkogenny

🇯🇵 癌遺伝子の

🇫🇷 oncogène

🇪🇸 oncogénico

🇹🇷 onkogenik

🇰🇷 종양 유전자의

🇸🇦 وراثة الأورام

🇨🇿 onkogenní

🇸🇰 onkogénny

🇨🇳 致癌基因的

🇸🇮 onkogen

🇮🇸 ónkógen

🇰🇿 онкогендік

🇬🇪 ონკოგენური

🇦🇿 onkogenik

🇲🇽 oncogénico

Etymology

The term 'oncogenic' is derived from the word 'oncogene', which itself combines 'onco-', from the Greek 'onkos' meaning 'mass' or 'tumor', and 'gene', which refers to the basic unit of heredity. The concept emerged in the mid-20th century as scientists began to understand the role of specific genes in the development of cancer. With the discovery of oncogenes in the early 1970s, researchers identified how these genes, when mutated or expressed at high levels, could lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. This field of study has significantly advanced our understanding of cancer biology, highlighting the genetic factors that contribute to neoplastic development.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,756, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.