noun

• An agent or factor which causes malformation of an embryo.

  ‘There are no absolute teratogens; however, many agents can exhibit teratogenic effects under certain circumstances.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘The use of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy can avoid exposure to teratogens such as carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke.’
  • ‘Alcohol is a known teratogen whose neurobehavioral effects have been found to be more injurious than cocaine and other drugs abused prenatally.’
  • ‘This is crucial not only for investigating potential teratogens but also for monitoring new prenatal screening and diagnostic tests.’
  • ‘Identifying potential teratogens in your patient's work environment, such as dry-cleaning fluids, pesticides or chemicals, is equally important.’