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impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē
plural impurities
1
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
removing impurities from water
2
: the quality or state of being impure
Synonyms
Examples of impurity in a Sentence
the impurity of the water
The syrup is strained to remove impurities.
The water is free of impurities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Previously, rubidium was often seen as an impurity that needed to be removed from a lithium deposit.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2025
According to a safety sheet from Delta College - University Center, AJAX cleaning products contain small amounts of crystalline silica, a naturally occurring impurity in calcium carbonate.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
The fat is then melted down, and any solid impurities are strained out of it.
—
Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
This can be caused by water evaporating out of the honey, storage temperature of the honey, botanical origin – some crystalize quickly and some never crystalize – and impurities in the honey.
—
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for impurity 
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of impurity was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near impurity
Cite this Entry
“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
1
: the quality or state of being impure
2
: something that is impure or that makes impure
remove impurities from water
Medical Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
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