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

There are also many environmental problems from growing the sugar, like habitat and biodiversity loss and water pollution from fertilizers and mills.

From Salon

We have reported on how pollution affects the poorest the most and how many don’t have a choice but to go out and work in the smog here, here and here.

From BBC

"This suggests that efforts to control phosphorus pollution from sources like agricultural runoff are not as effective as we thought," Li said.

From Science Daily

Funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has enabled EPA to offer $2 billion in grants to help underserved communities address pollution.

From Science Magazine

Part of the Green Tripartite agreement between the government, the agriculture industry and environmental organisations is to also reduce nitrogen pollution in an effort to restore the coasts and fjords.

From BBC

Related Words

• abuse
• corruption
• deterioration
• infection