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 machine also remained stable deep into the compression process, while researchers observed no significant contamination from the lithium liner during stable operation. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026

Recent analyses have raised concerns about heavy metal contamination in some protein powders, making transparency and third-party testing increasingly important. — Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Traveler’s diarrhea from the contamination of water Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common illness tied to unsafe water. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

The contamination of water tends to start with infrastructure. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 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