contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt 

: something that contaminates

Synonyms of contaminant

• contamination
• pollutant

Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, there are several measures that gardeners can take to keep themselves, their children, plants and produce safe from potentially harmful contaminants stemming from the fire. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Check the certification label to verify which contaminants it has been tested to reduce, and replace cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Common threats include biotoxins, chemical contaminants, disease, and fishing gear entanglements, experts say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

The team’s findings suggest that crushing concrete and exposing it to air during recycling or shallow burial could dramatically improve its ability to immobilize radioactive contaminants. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

contamin(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt 

: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt 

: something that contaminates