teratogen

/tɛrəˈtɒdʒɛn/

Definitions

1. noun

Any agent that can cause a developmental anomaly or malformation in a fetus during pregnancy, including environmental toxins and infectious agents.

“The doctor warned the couple about potential teratogens in the food they ate while trying to conceive.”

Synonyms

  • embryotoxin
  • mutagen

Antonyms

  • teratoprotectant