Meaning & Definition of word "Contamination"
Contamination
/kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/
noun:
- 1. The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.
- Example: The contamination of the river has raised concerns about the safety of the drinking water.
- 2. The presence of an unwanted substance in a material or environment.
- Example: Food contamination can occur during processing if hygiene standards are not maintained.
- 3. The introduction of harmful substances or pathogens into an environment.
- Example: Soil contamination can have devastating effects on local agriculture and wildlife.
Etymology
●Latin contaminatio, from contaminare 'to make unclean'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
contaminate:
To make something unclean or impure.
contaminant:
A substance that causes contamination.
Slang Meanings of contamination
Meaning: Spoiling something good.
● Example Sentence: Don't let that negative comment contaminate the whole event.
Meaning: Getting mixed up with bad influences.
● Example Sentence: He's afraid of contamination from the wrong crowd.