Meaning & Definition of word "Pollutant"

Pollutant

/pəˈluːtənt/

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.

●From Latin 'pollutio', meaning 'defilement, dirtying'.

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.

contamination:

The presence of unwanted substances, often resulting in harmful effects.

degradation:

The process of something reducing in quality or breaking down.

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.