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

Synonyms of impurity

• contamination
• contaminant
• pollutant

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

Filters out hair and impurities while vortex circulation keeps water fresh and great-tasting. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Nov. 2025

Over time, these impurities that don’t get filtered out and the minerals can build up and cause scaling. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025

This includes everything from fuel injection and exhaust to impurity removal, isotope separation, and tritium storage. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025

About 580,000 bottles of various strengths have been recalled for having the impurities. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for impurity

• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• purity
• surety

Kids 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