Adulterated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
adulterated
[ษหdสltษreษชtษชd ]
Definitions
food safety
Adulterated refers to a product that has been made weaker or less pure by the addition of foreign or inferior substances. In food safety, it specifically refers to food items that have been contaminated or altered in a way that can deceive consumers or reduce quality.
Synonyms
contaminated, diluted, impaired, tainted.
Examples of usage
- The milk was found to be adulterated with water.
- Adulterated spices can pose serious health risks.
- Consumers should be aware of adulterated products in the market.
ingredient quality
To adulterate means to make something poorer in quality by adding another substance. This action often occurs in the food industry, where cheaper ingredients might be added to increase profit margins but at the expense of consumer health.
Synonyms
contaminate, corrupt, debase, dilute.
Examples of usage
- They adulterate honey to cut costs.
- Some companies adulterate their products for increased marketability.
- It's illegal to adulterate food and sell it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Food and drink can be adulterated with cheaper substances to increase profit, which can pose health risks.
- In some countries, regulators strictly monitor food quality to prevent adulteration and protect consumers.
- Adulterated medicines can lead to serious health consequences, making it crucial for regulatory bodies to enforce safety standards.
Cultural Impact
- In literature, the theme of purity versus corruption often explores how ideals can become adulterated over time.
- Art can also be seen as adulterated when the original intention is lost through reinterpretation or commercialization.
- Many cultures have used the concept of purity in their moral teachings, warning against the dangers of adulteration in various aspects of life.
Legal Perspective
- Laws regarding product adulteration exist to protect consumers from fraudulent practices and ensure quality.
- In some jurisdictions, knowingly selling adulterated products can lead to severe penalties or imprisonment.
- Adulteration can also apply to environmental laws, where pollutants are considered adulterants affecting water and air quality.
Environmental Science
- Adulteration of natural resources, like water bodies, comes from pollution, impacting ecosystems and human health.
- Soil adulteration often occurs through the unregulated use of chemicals, affecting agricultural productivity.
- Efforts to combat environmental adulteration focus on sustainability and restoring the balance in ecosystems.
Origin of 'adulterated'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'adulterare,' meaning 'to corrupt' or 'to make impure.'
- The root 'adult' in Latin means 'to make' and is tied to the idea of mixing or changing.
- Historically, this word was used to describe the act of polluting or tainting something that was originally whole.
The word 'adulterated' comes from the Latin root 'adulterare', which means 'to corrupt or soil'. 'Adulterare' is a combination of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'ulter' meaning 'other'. The word entered the English language around the 15th century. Initially, it was used broadly to describe corruption or impurity in general terms. Over time, its usage has narrowed, particularly in legal and regulatory contexts related to food and pharmaceuticals. Adulteration has been a significant concern in various cultures, leading to laws and regulations aimed at preventing the practice to protect consumers. The concept highlights issues of integrity and safety in goods that people consume and highlights the ongoing battle against fraud in food production.