contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: contaminant

Synonyms

• adulterant
• contaminant
• defilement
• impurity
• pollutant

Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized

Recent Examples on the Web

In October 2024, over 1,200 cases of green onions were recalled for potential salmonella contamination. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2025

The law requires manufacturers to gather and divulge real-time information on heavy metal contamination monthly. —C. Michael White, The Conversation, 14 Feb. 2025

Federal and state agencies have previously tested soil after major wildfires to confirm that contamination levels are at the acceptable limit. —Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

That’s why the agency has developed a new prevention strategy aimed at lowering the risk of contamination of hepatitis A and norovirus—known as enteric viruses—in berries. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contamination

• cross contamination
• self-contamination

Rhymes for contamination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: something that contaminates