teratogen

[ˌtɛrətəˈdʒɛn]
nounmasculinepl: teratogens
teratógeno
1. any agent, substance, or factor that causes the formation of developmental abnormalities or birth defects in a fetus or embryo
Thalidomide is a well-known teratogen that caused severe birth defects in the 1960s.
A talidomida é um teratógeno bem conhecido que causou malformações congênitas graves nos anos 1960.
2. in medical and toxicology contexts, a chemical, physical, or biological agent that increases the risk of congenital abnormalities when exposure occurs during pregnancy
Alcohol is a teratogen that can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
O álcool é um teratógeno que pode causar transtorno do espectro alcoólico fetal.
The term teratogen is primarily used in medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific contexts in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, pregnant women are routinely counseled about potential teratogens by healthcare providers. The term gained particular importance following historical incidents like the thalidomide tragedy, which influenced drug regulation and pregnancy safety protocols globally.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mutagenembryotoxindevelopmental toxicant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
teratógeno
standard medical and scientific terminology used in Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
teratógeno
identical to Brazilian Portuguese in medical contexts
Medical/Scientific Portuguese
agente teratogênico
alternative technical term used in scientific literature

Related Words

teratogenicteratogenicitycongenital abnormalitybirth defectembryofetustoxicology

Related Idioms & Phrases

teratogenic exposure during pregnancy
teratogenic risk assessment
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