pollutant

[ puh-loot-nt ]

noun

1. something that pollutes.
2. any substance, as certain chemicals or waste products, that renders the air, soil, water, or other natural resource harmful or unsuitable for a specific purpose.

pollutant

/ pəˈluːtənt /

noun

1. a substance that pollutes, esp a chemical or similar substance that is produced as a waste product of an industrial process

pollutant

/ pə-lo̅o̅t′nt /

1. A substance or condition that contaminates air, water, or soil. Pollutants can be artificial substances, such as pesticides and PCBs, or naturally occurring substances, such as oil or carbon dioxide, that occur in harmful concentrations in a given environment. Heat transmitted to natural waterways through warm-water discharge from power plants and uncontained radioactivity from nuclear wastes are also considered pollutants.

Other Words From

• nonpol·lutant adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollutant¹

First recorded in 1890–95; pollute + -ant

Example Sentences

Known to disrupt hormones and persist in the environment, these pollutants have been detected in water, soil, air, food products, animals, human tissues, and even breast milk.

From Science Daily

Sustainable alternatives, such as dry handling or pasture-based systems, which generate far fewer pollutants, remain unsupported.

From Los Angeles Times

Short-lived pollutants play a critical role in global warming.

From Science Daily

"This study is a key first step in identifying pollutants in the water, even in some unexpected places like natural springs," said Arnold.

From Science Daily

"Less studied chronic diseases such as dementia have also been shown to be associated with temperature and air pollutants," she said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• poison
• pollution
• toxic waste
• toxin