oncogene Hear it!

oncogene definition

☆ on·co·gene (äŋ′kə jēn′)

noun

any of various genes that, when activated as by radiation or a virus, may cause a normal cell to become cancerous

Etymology: < Gr onkos, mass + gene

Related Forms:

  • oncogenic on′·co·gen′·ic (-jen′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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