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

The study’s authors said that this discovery shows the potential to better remediate synthetic dye chemicals from textile production wastewater to protect vulnerable water supplies from contamination. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Several food products were recalled in September over concerns ranging from possible salmonella and listeria contamination to undeclared allergens, foreign materials and other potential hazards. — Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Heavy metals occur naturally in soil, water and air, but agricultural, industrial and mining pollution can increase and spread contamination. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Many residents still have not returned home and have struggled to clean up contamination left by smoke and debris. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 2 Oct. 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