contaminant

[ kuhn-tam-uh-nuhnt ]

noun

1. something that contaminates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contaminant¹

1920–25; < Latin contāminant- (stem of contāmināns ), present participle of contāmināre. See contaminate, -ant

Example Sentences

Don’t pull the mask down over your chin or leave it hanging by only one of the ear loops—this may expose the inside of your mask to contaminants that will end up right next to your nose and mouth when you put the mask on again.

From Popular-Science

A porous filter onboard ensures that odors and particulate contaminants are removed from your water before being distributed, which further aids the health benefits of this unit.

From Popular-Science

“We acknowledge that there is more work to be done,” the FDA said in a statement, “but the FDA reiterates its strong commitment to continue to reduce consumer exposure to toxic elements and other contaminants from food.”

From Washington Post

The major plus of an evaporative humidifier is the function of the filter, which keeps mineral scale and other contaminants from being diffused and distributed into your air.

From Popular-Science

That helps prevent contaminants from getting in even if someone’s long hair, for example, gets caught in the area where it seals against the neck.

From Popular-Science

If you have a—a contaminant on board your ship, sir, it didn't come from the Lancet.

From Project Gutenberg

A final great contaminant against which weapons are meager is acid mine drainage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contamination
• impurity
• poison
• pollutant
• toxin