noun
pollution
Harmful substances or effects introduced into the environment.
Air pollution makes it harder for some people to breathe.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to defile or make unclean. Environmental usage applies that contamination idea to harmful substances or effects entering air, water, or land.
More examples
- Runoff from farms adds to pollution in the river.
- Noise pollution from the highway disrupts our sleep.
- Light pollution hides the stars above the city.
Forms
pollute verb — To introduce harmful substances into the environment.
pollutant noun — A substance that harms the environment.
Similar words
- contamination
- Emphasizes harmful impurities in something, not necessarily the environment.
- fouling
- Often describes dirty buildup on surfaces or in water.