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 of contamination

• contaminant
• 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

Michigan health officials previously told ABC News that the working hypothesis is the outbreak is linked to food contamination but, so far, no produce, grower or supplier has been identified. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 July 2026

In the 74-page lawsuit, the attorney general stated that the use of the defendants’ PFAS in consumer products also led to widespread environmental contamination. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

The facility was forced to close for several days due to a fire in the walk-in freezer and resulting chemical contamination from the extinguishers. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

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