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

• adulterant
• contaminant
• contamination
• defilement
• pollutant

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

Simply dispense a few pumps onto your face, gently massage the oil into the skin, and watch all the impurities melt away. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025

Those impurities can include nitrate (used for fertilizers), disinfection byproducts, arsenic, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, also called PFAS, Stoiber said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025

The upcycled pomace for Frizzle doesn’t sit and develop impurities like other pomace oils are known for. —Andrew Watman, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

These impurities make the ice weaker and more prone to cracking, creating the quakes. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for impurity

• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• purity
• surety

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