noun Biology.
- a drug or other substance capable of interfering with the development of a fetus, causing birth defects.
noun
- any substance, organism, or process that causes malformations in a fetus. Teratogens include certain drugs (such as thalidomide), infections (such as German measles), and ionizing radiation
n.1959, from comb. form of Greek teras (genitive teratos) “marvel, monster” + -gen. n.
- An agent, such as a virus, a drug, or radiation, that can cause malformations or functional damage to an embryo or a fetus.
- An agent, such as a virus, a drug, or radiation, that can cause malformations in an embryo or fetus.