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 delivery driver walked past deputies stationed at the scene, prompting outcry about potential contamination and the lax security at the crime scene. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

The best way to stop contamination from reaching groundwater is by installing a nonpermeable liner under the pond. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026

More than 20,000 peanut butter products sold in Wisconsin and 39 other states are being recalled for possible plastic contamination. —Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 17 Feb. 2026

Tippy Toes, a popular brand of baby food, has been recalled nationwide due to possible contamination. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Feb. 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