contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
Synonyms
Examples of contamination in a Sentence
swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Recent Examples on the Web
The decision to put untested but possibly hazardous waste in Sunshine Canyon, Hunter said, doesn’t consider the landfill’s proximity to residences and the potential for groundwater contamination in the event that the landfill’s liner system is damaged due to an earthquake.
—
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
People in certain regions of Minnesota, especially the southeast, have long been at a higher risk of nitrate contamination from their private wells.
—Minnpost, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
The area is tested again to confirm that the contamination is gone.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025
Family friends came and went freely from the home that day leading critics to question contamination of the crime scene.
—Jean Casarez, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contamination 
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Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
People in certain regions of Minnesota, especially the southeast, have long been at a higher risk of nitrate contamination from their private wells.
—Minnpost, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
The area is tested again to confirm that the contamination is gone.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025
Family friends came and went freely from the home that day leading critics to question contamination of the crime scene.
—Jean Casarez, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contamination
Dictionary Entries Near contamination
Cite this Entry
“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates
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