contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2

Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ritual is proudly Clean Label Certified and has been rigorously tested against heavy metal contamination. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2025 In the 1970s, the FDA began requiring egg producers to wash and sanitize eggs to minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025 The top 2 feet of dirt at the Michigan Avenue site was scraped off and hauled away because of contamination from lead paint peelings from the houses that once stood there. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025 These risks can include contamination with foreign materials, undeclared allergens, or potential exposure to harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

contamination

noun
con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contamination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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