pollution

[ puh-loo-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted. polluted.
2. the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment:

   air pollution.

pollution

/ pəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted
2. harmful or poisonous substances introduced into an environment

pollution

/ pə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste.
2. ◆ Light from cities and towns at night that interferes with astronomical observations is known as light pollution. It can also disturb natural rhythms of growth in plants and other organisms.
3. ◆ Continuous noise that is loud enough to be annoying or physically harmful is known as noise pollution.
4. ◆ Heat from hot water that is discharged from a factory into a river or lake, where it can kill or endanger aquatic life, is known as thermal pollution.

Other Words From

• self-pol·lution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English pollucioun, from Old French, from Late Latin pollūtiōn-, stem of pollūtiō “defilement”; equivalent to pollute + -ion

Example Sentences

It then mapped whether, and to what extent, each activity caused forms of disruption including light, noise and water pollution, as well as physical damage to the coastline and seabed and the habitats they contained.

From Science Daily

Local air quality monitors, the PurpleAir community scientist network and other online services can give a clear picture of particle pollution in your area.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet as coral reef ecologist Alexandra Dempsey explored the atolls’ beautiful coral reefs in 2015, she nevertheless found signs of human pollution.

From Salon

A new study projects a sharp rise in temperature- and pollution-related mortality, with the impact of temperature surpassing that of pollution for a fifth of the global population.

From Science Daily

For the sake of our air, water, and public health, we must ensure our solutions work for everyone, not just for those who profit from pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse
• corruption
• deterioration
• infection