Oncogenic
/ˌɑːŋ.koʊˈdʒɛn.ɪk/noun
Capable of causing or promoting the formation of tumors.
Did you know?The related term oncogene refers to a gene that can promote cancer when activated, while its normal counterpart may be a proto-oncogene involved in healthy cell growth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄγκος (onkos)
“Bulk, mass, swelling, or tumor”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γένος (genos)
“Birth, race, kind, or origin”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-γενής (-genēs)
“Born from, produced by, or causing”
19th Century
English
oncology
“The medical study of tumors, formed from Greek onkos plus -logia, “study””
20th Century
English
oncogene
“A gene associated with the development of cancer”
Modern English
English
oncogenic
“Producing or promoting tumors”