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

• 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 primary reason is cross-contamination in the kitchen. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

This interaction allows the particles to act as precise sensors for contamination. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

The recalls, which include yet another at Walmart, are part of an active FDA investigation into reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Sep. 2025

These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance in food distribution and the potential dangers when allergen or contamination risks reach the national marketplace. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

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