Adulteration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
adulteration
[ษหdสltษหreษชส(ษ)n ]
Definitions
food industry
The action or process of adding impurities or inferior substances to a food or drink, typically for profit.
Synonyms
contamination, impurity, pollution.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulteration |
This word is repeated and already described in the previous entry. |
| contamination |
This word is used when harmful or unwanted substances are introduced into a clean or pure substance, environment, or object. It suggests accidental or unintended pollution.
|
| impurity |
Describes unwanted substances found within something that affect its purity or quality. Commonly used in scientific, pharmaceutical, and everyday contexts.
|
| pollution |
Refers to the presence or introduction of pollutants into the environment, affecting air, water, or land quality. It often has a broader and more environmental context.
|
Examples of usage
- Adulteration of milk with water is a common practice in some regions.
- Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with food adulteration.
- Government regulations are in place to prevent the adulteration of food products.
general
The action of degrading something by adding inferior materials or elements.
Synonyms
contamination, degradation, tarnishing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adulteration |
Used when referring to the act of making something impure or inferior by adding foreign or inferior substances.
|
| degradation |
Often used to describe the decline in quality, condition, or value of something over time, including environmental contexts.
|
| tarnishing |
Usually refers to the process of losing brightness or purity, particularly in relation to metals or reputations.
|
| contamination |
Typically used in contexts involving the presence of harmful or undesired substances, especially in food, water, or the environment.
|
Examples of usage
- The adulteration of historical facts can distort our understanding of the past.
- Adulteration of the original recipe led to a decline in product quality.
- Adulteration of the environment with harmful chemicals is a serious issue.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient Rome, vendors often adulterated wine with water to increase their profits.
- During the Industrial Revolution, food adulteration was a common practice for mass production, sparking public health concerns.
Health and Safety
- Adulteration can lead to serious health issues, as harmful materials may cause poisoning.
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA monitor food and drug adulteration to protect consumers.
Law
- Adulteration is illegal in most countries and can lead to severe penalties for manufacturers.
- Consumer protection laws require businesses to accurately represent their products to avoid adulteration.
Pop Culture
- Documentaries and news features have highlighted cases of food adulteration, raising public awareness.
- The phrase 'what's in your food?' has become popular, leading people to question ingredients and potential adulteration.
Origin of 'adulteration'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'adulterare', meaning to corrupt or make impure.
- It originally indicated unfaithfulness in marriage before expanding to substances and goods.
The term 'adulteration' dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the Latin word 'adulterare', meaning 'to corrupt' or 'to debase'. The concept of adulteration has been a concern throughout history, especially in relation to food and drink. Governments around the world have implemented laws and regulations to combat adulteration and protect consumers.