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

Over 600 million gallons of that water have now been drained, treated to remove contaminants and pumped deep underground. — Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Because of environmental regulations, those contaminants need to be removed during refining. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026

Their mining and processing can also release metals and other contaminants into surrounding environments. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

If your home is connected to a sewer, the water travels to a treatment plant where solids and contaminants are removed. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 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