contaminated

adjective

con·​tam·​i·​nat·​ed kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd How to pronounce contaminated (audio)
1
: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association
a contaminated wound
Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.Cat Fancy
2
: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements
Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death, even in developed countries, when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.John Laffin
… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.Alexandra Goho

Examples of contaminated in a Sentence

the hospitals had no choice but to throw out the contaminated blood supply
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.
In fact, boiling contaminated water can exacerbate the problem by breaking open the bacteria and releasing more toxins. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 However, some illegitimate brands may sell contaminated or mislabeled products. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 Water can also become contaminated if it is not treated properly or if someone vomits directly into the source. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025 The virus spreads by coughing and sneezing, kissing and hugging, and contact with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or keys. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contaminated 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of contaminate

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminated was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near contaminated

Cite this Entry

“Contaminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminated. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

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