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

For those concerned about product quality, Todd says to look for third-party certification labeling to check manufacturing, label contents, and contaminants. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The idea is that high-intensity fires such as the 2025 Eaton fire and Palisades fire often sterilize soil, killing all its beneficial organisms and fungi, and leave behind various contaminants. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Though consumers are advised to eat smaller fish or to trim away belly fat and dark meat to remove contaminants, blue catfish is increasingly popular table fare. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Rain can cause contaminants to leach into groundwater, and studies have linked exposure to cancer, kidney damage, and developmental problems in children. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 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