contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
Synonyms of contaminantnext
: something that contaminates

Synonyms of contaminant

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Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
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.
The property invested in a water and sewage plant that ensures no contaminants enter the ocean, plus gives detailed training to all staff on sustainability practices. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 The monitoring detected a medley of air contaminants commonly associated with burning fossil fuels. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 One recall even involved a potential pest contaminant in a jar of peppers. — Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The scientists created a single-step co-pyrolysis process to convert agricultural waste into an amphoteric absorbent that can remove contaminants from synthetic dyes. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Word History

Etymology

contamin(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

contakion
contaminant
contaminate
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Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates
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