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
Steel and iron: Steel and iron production generate about 7% of global emissions with centuries-old blast furnace processes that use intense heat to melt iron ore and burn off impurities.
—
Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 23 June 2025
Fillers are a difficult-to-define category of miscellaneous food ingredients that are often maligned as purposeless impurities intended to cut cost, which, it could be argued, is itself a purpose.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The best cleansers for mature skin gently whisk away impurities, excess oil, and debris, all while flooding the skin with ingredients that tackle common concerns that reflect signs of aging.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
This mineral-rich salt helps boost healthy cell activity, absorbs impurities and excess oil, and leaves skin feeling soft and balanced.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impurity
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 23 June 2025
Fillers are a difficult-to-define category of miscellaneous food ingredients that are often maligned as purposeless impurities intended to cut cost, which, it could be argued, is itself a purpose.
—Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The best cleansers for mature skin gently whisk away impurities, excess oil, and debris, all while flooding the skin with ingredients that tackle common concerns that reflect signs of aging.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
This mineral-rich salt helps boost healthy cell activity, absorbs impurities and excess oil, and leaves skin feeling soft and balanced.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impurity
Cite this Entry
“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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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