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

As many news reports will remind you, thoroughly rinsing produce under clean, running water is recommended, especially for fruits and vegetables with nooks and crannies where dirt and contaminants may become trapped. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Activists had pressured Zeldin for months to crack down on microplastics and other environmental contaminants. — Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Thoroughly washing, peeling or cooking foods that could store contaminants is recommended to avoid illness. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026

Risks for Reusing Towels An article in Scientific Reports1 found that all of the contaminants in bath towels form a microbial community and the longer the towel stays damp, the more the community grows. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 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