contaminant

noun

con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈta-mə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
Synonyms of contaminantnext
: something that contaminates

Synonyms of contaminant

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Examples of contaminant in a Sentence

a filter to remove contaminants from the drinking water
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rain can cause contaminants to leach into groundwater, and studies have linked exposure to cancer, kidney damage, and developmental problems in children. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Therefore, the researchers' anode not only removes a toxic contaminant but also reduces the energy needed to produce hydrogen at the cathode, increasing the system's overall hydrogen-production efficiency. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 Inside Clarify Clinic’s proprietary centrifuge machine, which is designed to filter contaminants out of human blood. — Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 This system removes salt and other contaminants while turning the brine into solids, using almost all waste heat. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contaminant

Word History

Etymology

contamin(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contaminant was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

contakion
contaminant
contaminate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contaminant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates

Medical Definition

contaminant

noun
con·​tam·​i·​nant kən-ˈtam-ə-nənt How to pronounce contaminant (audio)
: something that contaminates
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