contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Or just smarter smoke alarms and radon detectors that also check for dozens of different contaminants. John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Always obtain the certificate of analysis for any product and check the chain of custody to verify the source and confirm there are no contaminants. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2025 These certifications show that the system has been proven to filter out the specific contaminants in your water. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The novel device may one day help identify diseases and detect trace levels of contaminants in factories and the environment, researchers say. IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contaminant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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