verb
contaminate
kun-TAM-ih-nayt/kənˈtæmɪneɪt/
To make something impure or unsafe by introducing something unwanted.
Brown liquid from the leaking pipe contaminates the clear stream.
Etymology
Contaminare originally meant bringing into contact, then corrupting by mingling. The modern meaning preserves the harmful result of that mixing: making something impure, polluted, or unsafe.
In context
archaeologists are very careful with the finds so as not to contaminate them with modern DNA they put on gloves and masks
More examples
- Leaking fuel has contaminated the town's drinking water.
- Wear clean gloves to avoid contaminating the sample.
- Misleading questions can contaminate a witness's memory of an event.
Forms
contaminate · contaminates · contaminated · contaminating
contamination noun — The introduction or presence of unwanted substances.
contaminant noun — A substance that makes something impure.
Similar words
- pollute
- Usually refers to harmful substances entering air, water, or soil.
- taint
- Often suggests slight corruption of quality, reputation, or trust.
- adulterate
- Specifically means lowering purity or quality by adding another substance.