noun
contamination
kuhn-tam-uh-NAY-shuhn/kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃn/
The presence or introduction of something harmful or unwanted that spoils something.
Particles of grime reveal contamination in the glass of drinking water.
Etymology
Contaminatio named the act of polluting, from a verb meaning to corrupt by mingling. Contamination now names both the introduction of unwanted substances and the resulting polluted condition.
In context
problem of radioactive milk. And so that's why milk in the Soviet Union was banned for such a long time because this was one of the major sources of iodine contamination.
More examples
- The lab checks each water sample for contamination.
- Store raw chicken separately to prevent contamination of other foods.
- Even a little dust can cause contamination in the clean room.
Forms
contamination
contaminate verb — To spoil by introducing something harmful or unwanted.
contaminant noun — A harmful or unwanted substance that spoils something.
Similar words
- pollution
- Usually concerns harmful substances in air, water, or soil.
- adulteration
- Specifically involves making a substance impure by adding inferior ingredients.