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

Their mining and processing can also release metals and other contaminants into surrounding environments. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

If your home is connected to a sewer, the water travels to a treatment plant where solids and contaminants are removed. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

One major challenge is identifying microbes that can degrade a particular contaminant while thriving under the environmental conditions where that contamination actually occurs. — Catherine Armbruster, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

That media might include activated carbon, KDF, calcium sulfite or some combination designed to reduce specific contaminants. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 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