elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
often attributive
: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as
a
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body
b
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body
Recent Examples on the Web The elimination of the pandemic dollars will have varying effects on schools. Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 TikTok’s elimination in the States could potentially drive more usage to streaming or traditional TV. Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 The elimination of these precious carbon sinks released titanic amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, unleashing an environmental catastrophe. Patricia Cohen Jes Aznar, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Quickfires will carry cash prizes, and elimination challenges will confer immunity. Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Would Addis, a Realtor and bar manager, ultimately survive another week of elimination? Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2024 Today, good mental health means something like the elimination of both passion and reason. Lauren Oyler, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2024 The most recent eliminations were announced at Rivian, Sony, and Bumble, among others. Laura Bratton, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 How To Avoid Phthalate Exposure During Pregnancy Phthalates are so widely used in today’s society making total elimination nearly impossible. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elimination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elimination was in 1627

Dictionary Entries Near elimination

Cite this Entry

“Elimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elimination. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as
a
: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body
b
: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
1
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body
2
eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit
3
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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