impurity

noun

im·pu·ri·ty | \ (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē

plural impurities

Definition of impurity

1 : something that is impure or makes something else impure removing impurities from water

2 : the quality or state of being impure

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about impurity

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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

Amid the connotations of dirt and impurity surrounding women’s natural cycles, Feingold wanted to show the reverse. — Christina Cacouris, Marie Claire, "This Artist Uses Gold and Glitter to Destigmatize Period Blood," 11 Sep. 2018 The balm combines four aromatic plant oils, including eucalyptus, Egyptian chamomile, clove, and hops, to remove dirt and other impurities. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "This Balmy Face Wash Turned Me Into a Double-Cleansing Fanatic," 12 Nov. 2018 All the masks use volcanic clay to draw out oil and impurities. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Korea’s Biggest Beauty Brand Wants to Make Face-Masking Better," 27 Feb. 2018 The promise of an air purifier is an enticing one: An appliance designed to cleanse the air in your home, getting rid of all the impurities including odors, smoke, dust, and pet dander. — Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, "Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?," 17 Dec. 2018 The remaining failures were largely linked to unacceptable levels of pesticide residues and the presence of other impurities, such as bacteria and mold. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Calif. safety tests pass moldy marijuana but fail ~20% of products overall," 11 Sep. 2018 It’s hard to keep your home dust-free when your venting system is pumping in impurities 24/7. — Jennifer Fernandez, House Beautiful, "6 Nursery-Decorating Mistakes To Avoid For Your Baby’s Health," 19 Dec. 2018 Our retreat masters warned us against sins of impurity, of course—against self-abuse. — Lance Morrow, WSJ, "The Sexual Revolution and the Church," 24 Oct. 2018 But in a rink or track, impurities collect between crystals or are shoved to the surface, creating slight weaknesses in the ice. — Maya Wei-haas, Smithsonian, "The Slick Science of Making Olympic Snow and Ice," 1 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impurity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.