contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
Recent Examples on the Web The smoke pouring from the stacks, and clouds of contaminants were both going into Norwood and settling there back into the 1940s. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Mar. 2024 This supplement is tested for purity and potency, including testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial or other contaminants. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 Chemicals used to convert cannabinoids found in hemp into delta-8 may include harmful contaminants, the agency cautioned. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Within two seconds, the device can identify any residual contaminant on the hands and wrist using light fluorescence spectroscopy, an imaging technology already used in healthcare that utilizes safe non-UV LED lights. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 But there are concerns that the ruling could impact the cleanup of other future contaminants unless the DNR has engaged in a 30-month formal rule-making process and has the rule approved by the Legislature. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 The sensors’ precision, however, is rivaled by the oysters, clams, and mussels themselves, which are both more sensitive and much longer-lasting than traditional technology for sampling contaminants in water. John Koetsier, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The fountains for whites were often more modern, offered some form of filtering from contaminants found in tap water and were capable of providing cold water. Rodney Coates, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2024 Many of the heavy metals and other contaminants in coal ash are known carcinogens. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contaminant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near contaminant

Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contaminant

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