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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Independent testing confirms that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025 Crews worked continuously to prevent contaminants from entering rivers and local water supplies. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 But since onions grow underground, concerns about bacteria, dirt, or pesticide residue are valid, especially if those contaminants could transfer to your cutting board, knife, or directly onto your food while working with them. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025 The project involves filling 230 feet of Channel B and redirecting its water through a wide wetland area that includes three shallow pools in order to filter the bacterial contaminants. Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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