-gen
suffix
UK/dʒən/ or /dʒen/US/dʒən/ or /dʒen/
Used to form nouns referring to substances or agents that produce or cause something (from Greek ‘-genēs,’ meaning ‘born’ or ‘produced’). Examples include ‘pathogen’ (an agent causing disease) and ‘carcinogen’ (a substance that causes cancer).
Example Sentences
Carcinogen refers to any substance that is known to increase the risk of cancer.
A pathogen is an organism—such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus—that causes disease in its host.
Scientists are working to identify new allergen sources, especially in processed foods.
In biology, '-gen' often indicates something that generates, produces, or causes a particular effect.
Endogens develop within an organism, distinguishing them from exogenous elements that originate externally.
The term mutagen describes a substance that can alter DNA, potentially leading to beneficial or harmful mutations.
Research on antigens has deepened our understanding of the immune system by revealing how the body recognizes and combats foreign threats.
Biotechnologists investigate how certain -gen materials, like carcinogens and mutagens, may interact with cells, potentially opening new pathways for disease treatment and prevention.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'producing,' 'causing,' or 'originating.'The suffix '-gen' is used in scientific, medical, and technical terms to describe substances or agents that produce, cause, or originate something. For example, 'pathogen' refers to an agent that causes disease, 'carcinogen' describes a substance that causes cancer, and 'oxygen' refers to a gas that supports life. '-gen' emphasizes the origin or causative nature of the subject.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-gen' may include phrases like 'causing agent' or 'producer of,' depending on the context. For example, instead of 'pathogen,' one might say 'disease-causing agent.'
Writing
In writing, '-gen' is essential for concise and precise terminology, especially in scientific and medical texts. For example, 'mutagen' clearly describes an agent causing mutations without lengthy explanation.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-gen' words like 'pathogen' or 'oxygen' are common and widely understood in specific contexts. Simpler alternatives like 'causes disease' can be used for better comprehension when needed.
