contaminated

adjective

con·​tam·​i·​nat·​ed kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd 

1

: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association

a contaminated wound

Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.

—Cat Fancy

2

: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements

Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death, even in developed countries, when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.

—John Laffin

… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.

—Alexandra Goho

Synonyms

• adulterate
• adulterated
• alloyed
• dilute
• diluted
• impure
• polluted
• tainted
• thinned
• weakened

Examples of contaminated in a Sentence

the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply

Recent Examples on the Web

Usually, these symptoms start within 24 hours of eating contaminated food and last for one to three days. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

Whether its lead from old buildings, arsenic from contaminated food or strontium fallout from a nuclear explosion, heavy metals that enter the body pose a serious health threat. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

People can get Lassa fever by having contact with infected rats or their saliva, urine or droppings, which may happen through contaminated food or household items. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2024

Depending on the severity of infection, symptoms can start as early as 24 hours after eating the contaminated food or as late as two weeks. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of contaminate

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1