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

Issues ranged from spoilage and chemical concerns to product damage and foreign material contamination. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

The agency has previously taken action against benzene contamination in other personal-care products, including sunscreens, dry shampoos and hand sanitizers. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

Between 1949 and 1991, 456 nuclear tests left a legacy of radioactive contamination and suffering. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025

To avoid contamination of Escherichia. coli (E. coli) and salmonella, purchase whole onions rather than pre-chopped.1 Summary Onions are a nutritious vegetable that has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and many other healthy properties. —Melissa Porrey Lpc, Verywell Health, 28 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