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

Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and storing raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2026

In some cases, that identifier could also be used to find FDA inspection reports that describe contamination and other safety breakdowns on factory floors. — Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026

Eliminating medications properly is also important to prevent contamination of vegetation, aquatic life and water supplies. — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

The front hand wash station has loose paper towels instead of a paper towel dispenser that protects towels from outside contamination. — Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 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