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contaminant

contaminant

31 6.1
Something that makes water, soil or food unsafe
  • noun
  • /kənˈtæmɪnənt/
translation icon : contaminante
  • And this is on issues of the fate of contaminants in the environment.

Each one of these particles of plastic is like a sponge for contaminants, things like PCBS or DDT.

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Examples

  • There's a contaminant in the system.

  • Each state may recommend or require testing for certain contaminants specific to a locality.

    Academic text (2008)
  • For reference purposes, Table 2 also includes the Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels or secondary standards when available.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Control, we have a contaminant in Chamber 47.

  • It's just that I'm more convinced than ever that a contaminant of some sort is involved.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Because plastic is really an issue is a very, very common contaminant and pollutant.

  • A dirty well can also create an environment in which contaminants such as certain types of bacteria can flourish.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The overuse of pesticide and fertilizer is one of the main contaminants for water pollution.

  • Each one of these particles of plastic is like a sponge for contaminants, things like PCBS or DDT.

  • The overuse of pesticide and fertilizer is one of the main contaminants for water pollution.

Synonyms

pollutant
vscontaminant
36 4.3

Something, often a chemical, that makes water, air or soil dirty and harmful

covers any substance that makes things unclean by contact or mixing
impurity
vscontaminant
19 5.1

A small unwanted substance in a material that can make it unsafe

means the agent that makes something unclean by contact or mixture
toxicant
vscontaminant
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A poisonous substance that can harm people and animals

can be any substance that makes things unclean or harmful without being poisonous

Antonyms

purifier
  • Specialized
8 3.5

A machine that cleans water or air by removing harmful substances

How Harmful

poison
367 2.1
contaminant
31 6.1
pollutant
36 4.3
impurity
19 5.1

Surface Forms

contaminant singular
contaminants plural

Morphology

contaminant = contaminate (transparent) = contaminate + ant

Derived by adding the agent/nominal suffix '-ant' to the verb 'contaminate', yielding 'a thing that contaminates', which is a standard and clear derivation for learners.

Etymology

The word contaminant comes from the Latin parts con- and tangere, which mean 'with' and 'to touch'. Think of a contaminant as something that 'touches' your water or food and makes it dirty or harmful.