cariogenic

adjective

car·​i·​o·​gen·​ic ˌker-ē-ə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce cariogenic (audio)
-ˈjē-
: producing or promoting the development of tooth decay
cariogenic foods

Word History

Etymology

caries + -o- + -genic

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cariogenic was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near cariogenic

Cite this Entry

“Cariogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cariogenic. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

cariogenic

adjective
car·​io·​gen·​ic ˌkar-ē-ō-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce cariogenic (audio)
: producing or promoting the development of tooth decay
cariogenic foods
cariogenic bacteria
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!