impurity

[ im-pyoor-i-tee ]

noun

, plural im·pu·ri·ties

1. the quality or state of being impure.

   Synonyms: taint, pollution, contamination

2. Often impurities. something that is or makes impure:

   After the flood the authorities warned against impurities in the drinking water.

impurity

/ ɪmˈpjʊərɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being impure
2. an impure thing, constituent, or element

   impurities in the water

3. electronics a small quantity of an element added to a pure semiconductor crystal to control its electrical conductivity See also acceptor donor

Word History and Origins

Origin of impurity¹

1400–50; late Middle English impurite < Latin impūritās. See impure, -ity

Example Sentences

It followed concerns in several countries that the products may contain the impurity.

From BBC

"OTOCs were actually invented in a very different context about 55 years ago, when they were used to look at how electrons in superconductors are affected by disturbances from an impurity," Wolynes said.

From Science Daily

This lithium impurity in the plasma changed the dynamics of the charge exchange and allowed the plasma to retain hydrogen ions added by the neutral beam without booting out other hydrogen ions, resulting in an overall increase in plasma density.

From Science Daily

A specific lot labeled L200183 tested high in impurity and low in the inactive ingredient ascorbic acid, commonly called Vitamin C.

From Washington Times

Lupin Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Tydemy, notified customers on Saturday that it was voluntarily recalling two batches of the oral contraceptive — after one lot tested low for ascorbic acid and high “for a known impurity.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• contamination
• grime
• pollutant
• scum