impurity

noun

im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
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 This gentle formula strips away makeup and impurities, and can even get the toughest mascara out of your lashes. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2023 First, the entire body is wrapped in clay that gently detoxes the body from impurities and rehydrates it with some of the world’s purest products. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023 To use, warm the balm in your hands, massage it onto your face, then rinse with water and wipe away makeup, oil, and other impurities. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023 Scrap typically comes with impurities, and union officials say the resulting steel may fail to meet the specifications of important customers like automakers. Stanley Reed Francesca Jones, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2023 This palm-sized bottle contains 3 ounces of shampoo that promises to wash away dirt, oil, product buildup, and other impurities while strengthening and softening your strands with keratin. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2023 The haldi is a ceremony where turmeric paste is placed on the bride and groom and then showered away to cleanse the body and remove impurities. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2023 This week, get mini and travel-size products for just $10 each, including the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion that targets surface blemishes overnight by drying them and drawing out impurities. Buy Side Staff, wsj.com, 1 Nov. 2023 Water activates the light lather to melt away makeup and impurities. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impurity.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impurity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impurity

Cite this Entry

“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

impurity

noun
im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
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 How to pronounce impurity (audio)
plural impurities
: something that is impure or makes something else impure

More from Merriam-Webster on impurity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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