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

Farmland contamination has become a contentious environmental issue in both red and blue states. —Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of eggs sold at Costco in Tennessee and four other states in the south in caused by potential salmonella contamination as the highest risk level for infection. —James Powel, The Tennessean, 26 Dec. 2024

The Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of eggs sold at Costco caused by potential salmonella contamination as the highest risk level for infection. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

This contamination endangers not just firefighters but all communities. —Jonathan Sharp, Baltimore Sun, 23 Dec. 2024

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

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