contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: contaminant

Synonyms of contamination

• contaminant
• pollutant

Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit also alleges that the companies failed to maintain adequate safety measures to prevent parasitic contamination during manufacturing or while the product was on retail shelves. —Francie Ebert, NBC news, 4 June 2026

Researchers say a more detailed investigation is necessary to identify the source of the contamination and protect the public in the future. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Testing revealed there was no contamination of the water supply. —Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Concerns grew after studies linked certain PFAS compounds to health and environmental issues, especially contamination in drinking water. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contamination

• cross-contamination
• self-contamination

Rhymes for contamination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: something that contaminates