Meaning & Definition of word "Pollutant"
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Pollutant
/pəˈluːtənt/
noun:
- 1. A substance that contaminates the environment, especially air, water, or soil, and can cause harm to living organisms.
- Example: Industrial waste is often a significant pollutant in rivers and lakes.
- 2. Any substance that makes a clean environment dirty, resulting in adverse effects on health or the ecosystem.
- Example: The oil spill released a dangerous pollutant into the ocean.
- 3. Chemical or biological agents that may cause pollution.
- Example: Carbon monoxide is a harmful air pollutant produced by vehicles.
- 4. Particles or chemicals released into the atmosphere that can affect air quality.
- Example: Many cities struggle with air quality due to high levels of urban pollutants.
Etymology
From Latin 'pollutio', meaning 'defilement, dirtying'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
air pollutant:
A substance in the air that can harm human health or the environment.
water pollutant:
A substance that contaminates water bodies.
soil pollutant:
Any harmful substance present in the soil.
Related Words
contamination:
The presence of unwanted substances, often resulting in harmful effects.
degradation:
The process of something reducing in quality or breaking down.
Slang Meanings of pollutant
Meaning: Gunk
Example Sentence: Watch out for the gunk in the river; it's full of pollutants.
Meaning: Filth
Example Sentence: The air is full of filth, making it hard to breathe.