noun

contamination

contamination, pollution, adulteration

The contamination of the river was a serious problem.

The contamination of the river was a serious problem.

Food contamination can cause severe illness.

Food contamination can cause severe illness.

((of sth.)) contamination of (sth.) The contamination of the water supply is a concern.

Synonyms: pollution, adulteration; Antonyms: purification, purity

From Latin 'contaminare' (to defile), from 'con-' (together) + 'tangere' (to touch).

Think of 'con-' (with) and 'tamin' (touching) – something bad is touching and mixing with something pure.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.