contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
Synonyms
Examples of contamination in a Sentence
swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Recent Examples on the Web
Two people died and 26 were sickened in connection to a queso fresco and cotija cheese contamination in February.
—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Since late July, when Boar's Head issued a recall for liverwurst and other ready-to-eat deli meats due to potential listeria contamination, at least 59 people have been hospitalized and 10 died, across 19 states, in the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Mike Snider and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
This contamination, in turn, can lead to foodborne illness caused by bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter, according to the CDC.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
Tribal leaders also raised issues regarding the adequacy of the previous environmental impact statement, now nearly 40 years old, and the potential for contamination of areas historically occupied by the Havasupai.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contamination 
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Since late July, when Boar's Head issued a recall for liverwurst and other ready-to-eat deli meats due to potential listeria contamination, at least 59 people have been hospitalized and 10 died, across 19 states, in the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Mike Snider and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
This contamination, in turn, can lead to foodborne illness caused by bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter, according to the CDC.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
Tribal leaders also raised issues regarding the adequacy of the previous environmental impact statement, now nearly 40 years old, and the potential for contamination of areas historically occupied by the Havasupai.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contamination
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contamination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near contamination
Cite this Entry
“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share