contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: contaminant

Synonyms of contamination

• contaminant
• pollutant

Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized

Recent Examples on the Web

When remediation ends too soon, contamination often rebounds, according to DERM officials. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

Generally, developers follow a multi-step process to address any such contamination. —Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

However, state officials said the mobile home park contamination was not related to Perdue. —Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2026

Scientists are tightening research protocols, adopting contamination controls from forensic science to ensure findings are real, not lab artifacts. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing contamination

• cross-contamination
• self-contamination

Rhymes for contamination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated

2

: something that contaminates