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.
The screens on your windows and doors—though small—can still allow dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants inside. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025 This study presents boron isotopes as in situ tracers for studying glass dissolution mechanisms, assisting in predicting contaminant releases during waste glass-aqueous solution interactions. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 In New York, out of the 197 contaminants found in drinking water served by its 2,263 utilities, 11 exceeded legal limits, per the EWG database. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 The nation eventually lost its foothold on the lake, which became polluted in the 19th and 20th centuries as industries dumped mercury, salt and other contaminants into the water. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 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 27 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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