Contamination

/kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.

The contamination of the river has raised concerns about the safety of the drinking water.

The presence of an unwanted substance in a material or environment.

Food contamination can occur during processing if hygiene standards are not maintained.

The introduction of harmful substances or pathogens into an environment.

Soil contamination can have devastating effects on local agriculture and wildlife.

Latin contaminatio, from contaminare 'to make unclean'.

biological contamination

Pollution caused by biological agents like bacteria or viruses.

contamination of evidence

Tampering with evidence in a legal context, making it unreliable.

cross-contamination

Transfer of harmful substances between different items.

contaminate

To make something unclean or impure.

contaminant

A substance that causes contamination.

Spoiling something good.

Don't let that negative comment contaminate the whole event.

Getting mixed up with bad influences.

He's afraid of contamination from the wrong crowd.