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

• 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

The aluminum-creation process begins with bauxite ore, a raw material that contains desirable aluminum-rich minerals but also a host of impurities including silica and iron and titanium oxides. —New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2025

The skin-friendly formula includes vitamin E, to help shield the skin from environmental damage; caprylic, sourced from coconut oil, which gently removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils and lavender oil to calm the skin. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Rinse the almonds in a colander, running them under cool water to remove dust or impurities. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 15 Sep. 2025

This creamy formula blends kaolin and bentonite with bamboo charcoal powder to attract and remove pore-clogging impurities, excess oil, and buildup. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 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