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

Many families who are cited in the lawsuit said the insurer refused to test their homes for contaminants. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Hardness is not a contaminant that every report is required to include. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Most shower filters target chlorine and select contaminants, not calcium and magnesium. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

This contaminant accumulates in larger fish that eat smaller fish. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 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