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

Mold remediation can range from a few hundred dollars for minor surface issues to tens of thousands for extensive contamination behind walls or in HVAC systems. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025

The presence of Cesium-137 in the spectra was attributed solely to surface contamination of the hull. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

In 2023, after a recall of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches over concerns about lead contamination, the agency sent a similar warning letter to a retailer that failed to remove the products. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025

The issues include contamination risks, undeclared allergens, and potential bacterial exposure—all of which can pose health concerns. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 16 Dec. 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