impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē 
plural impurities
1
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
removing impurities from water
2
: the quality or state of being impure
Examples of impurity in a Sentence
the impurity of the water
The syrup is strained to remove impurities.
The water is free of impurities.
Recent Examples on the Web
The mask is also made with complexion-soothing oatmeal to treat redness and irritation, along with kaolin clay to gently, yet deeply penetrate your pores and exfoliate impurities.
—
Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026
In alloys, the impurities act as roadblocks that heat helps the metal overcome.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
The fabrication processes are very tightly controlled, but the resulting semiconductor crystals nevertheless have small amounts of impurities and defects, which can cause heat during operation and slightly reduce performance.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2026
In traditional Chinese medicine, blood is an important part of women’s health as a source of vitality rather than impurity.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impurity
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Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026
In alloys, the impurities act as roadblocks that heat helps the metal overcome.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
The fabrication processes are very tightly controlled, but the resulting semiconductor crystals nevertheless have small amounts of impurities and defects, which can cause heat during operation and slightly reduce performance.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Feb. 2026
In traditional Chinese medicine, blood is an important part of women’s health as a source of vitality rather than impurity.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impurity
Cite this Entry
“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
1
: the quality or state of being impure
2
: something that is impure or that makes impure
remove impurities from water
Medical Definition
impurity
noun
im·pu·ri·ty
(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē
plural impurities
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
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