How Do You Spell TUMORIGENIC?

Pronunciation: [tjˌuːməɹa͡ɪd͡ʒˈɛnɪk] (IPA)

Tumorigenic is a biological term that refers to the ability of certain cells or substances to cause tumors or cancer. The word is pronounced /ˌtjuː.məˈrɪ.dʒen.ɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable begins with a "t" and has a long "u" sound, while the following syllables contain an "i" sound followed by a voiced "dʒ" sound. The final syllable has a short "i" sound, an "e" sound, and a hard "k" sound. This complex spelling reflects the technicality and precision of medical and scientific terminology.

TUMORIGENIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Tumorigenic is an adjective that refers to the ability of a substance or agent to cause the formation or growth of tumors. Derived from the combination of the words "tumor" and "genic," tumorigenic literally means "tumor forming" or "tumor generating" in a biological context.

    The term tumorigenic is primarily used in the field of oncology, which is the study of cancer. It describes the property of a substance, such as a chemical, radiation, or a specific gene alteration, to promote the development of abnormal cell growth leading to the formation of tumors. Tumorigenic substances or agents can trigger mutations in genes that control cell growth and division, disrupting the normal regulatory mechanisms of the body.

    Tumorigenicity can vary depending on the specific substance or agent involved, as well as the individual's susceptibility to tumor development. While some substances are well-known as tumorigenic, such as certain carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, others may have tumorigenic potential that is still being investigated and understood by scientists.

    Understanding the tumorigenic properties of different substances is essential for developing effective cancer prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions. Researchers study the tumorigenicity of various substances and agents in laboratory settings, animal models, and human studies to ascertain their potential risks to human health and their ability to contribute to the development of cancerous tumors.

Common Misspellings for TUMORIGENIC

Etymology of TUMORIGENIC

The word "tumorigenic" is derived from two terms: "tumor" and "genic".

The word "tumor" comes from the Latin word "tumor", which means a swelling or an abnormal mass. It originated from the verb "tumere", which means "to swell".

The suffix "-genic" is derived from the Greek word "genēs", which means "born" or "producing". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate something that causes or gives rise to a particular condition or trait. For example, "carcinogenic" means something that causes or promotes the development of cancer.

Therefore, "tumorigenic" refers to something that causes or promotes the formation or growth of tumors.