contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2

Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
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.
Though enzymatic processes tolerate more contamination than many chemical ones, industrial plants will likely still require pretreatment (washing, grinding, delabeling) to avoid enzyme fouling. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 Heavy metal contamination can come from natural sources because lead is found in the earth’s crust. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, even drinking water can be susceptible to contamination due to lead leaching into water supplies through outdated plumbing systems. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025 Old non-stick pans were made with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which was phased out due to potential health risks and environmental contamination. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contamination was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

contamination

noun
con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contamination

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