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

The researchers then used an innovative technology to understand how pollution modified the DNA of participants' individual cells.

From Science Daily

Amy Fairman of the River Action campaign group said agricultural waste is responsible for a greater percentage of water pollution than sewage in the UK.

From BBC

Yet the existential crises facing our species — climate change, plastic pollution, the eradication of species — can only be solved through realistic solutions, like reducing emissions and protecting old growth forests.

From Salon

Countries have failed to reach a landmark agreement on tackling plastic pollution after more than two years of negotiations.

From BBC

They question whether the proposal will actually reduce the threat of wildfire, and wonder why South Stockton should shoulder the burden of increased truck and shipping pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse
• corruption
• deterioration
• infection