contamination

The word “contamination” means the act of making something impure or unsafe, or the harmful substance responsible for it. In plain terms, the presence of something harmful that has made a place, substance, or sample unsafe or impure.

“Contamination” is pronounced kuhn-tam-ih-NAY-shuhn (/kənˌtæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “contamination” used in a sentence: “Radioactive contamination forced the evacuation of the area.”

Words with a similar meaning to “contamination” include adulteration, defedation, defilement, pollution and sophistication.

The opposite of “contamination” — its antonyms — are conservation, decontamination, distillation and purification.

“Contamination” is a noun.

The word “contamination” comes from Latin. From Latin contaminationem, from contaminare, "to defile or corrupt.".

“Contamination” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Contamination is a broader term for the presence of any harmful or unwanted substance that makes something impure or unsafe, including in food, water, medical equipment, or samples. Pollution usually refers specifically to contamination of the natural environment, such as air, water, or soil, on a larger scale.

Cross-contamination refers to contamination that spreads from one substance or surface to another, most commonly used in food safety to describe harmful bacteria transferring from raw food to other food or surfaces. It highlights how contamination can move indirectly rather than starting at the final affected item.

Yes, contamination can describe either the act of making something impure or the harmful substance responsible for it. For example, a report might discuss both the contamination of a water supply and the specific contamination found within it, such as lead or bacteria.