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

These products may contain the wrong amount, contaminants, or a different ingredient. — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Aug. 2026

This dual-sided design enables the membrane to handle different contaminants while supporting more efficient desalination and oil separation. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

The maximum contaminant level goal, or MCLG, is the concentration at which the contaminant is believed to pose no significant risk to health in people who drink that water every day for 70 years. — Christine Kirchhoff, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

Public health and environmental experts told The Associated Press the coming weeks are critical to preventing secondary crises caused by contaminants from the rubble and rebuilding. — ABC News, 29 July 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