contamination

noun

con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
Synonyms of contaminationnext
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: contaminant

Synonyms of contamination

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Examples of contamination in a Sentence

swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
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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.
As the conflict continues, experts are warning of a broader contamination crisis. — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 That is precisely why the commonwealth should act before contamination becomes a larger problem. — Dana Adkins, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Clean and sanitize surfaces, equipment and containers that might have come into contact with the oysters to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. — Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Other recalls Outshine bars were recalled due to contamination with glass. — Eva Flowe october 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contamination

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contaminacioun, borrowed from Latin contāminātiōn-, contāminātiō "defilement, pollution," from contāmināre "to defile, pollute" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contaminate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contamination was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing contamination

Rhymes for contamination

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Browse Nearby Words

contaminated
contamination
contaminative
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Cite this Entry

“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

contamination

noun
con·​tam·​i·​na·​tion kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce contamination (audio)
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates

More from Merriam-Webster on contamination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contamination

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