Oncogene
/ˈɒŋ.kəʊˌdʒiːn/noun
A gene that has the potential to cause cancer.
Did you know?The prefix 'onco-' comes from the Greek word for 'mass' or 'tumor', connecting to the ancient understanding of disease as a physical burden.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄγκος (ónkos)
“A mass or bulk, often referring to tumors or physical burdens.”
19th Century
Greek
ὄγκος (ónkos)
“Used in medical contexts to describe swellings or tumors.”
20th Century
English
oncogene
“Coined in the context of genetics to refer to genes that can trigger cancer.”
1970s
English
oncogene
“Identified as genes that, when mutated, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.”