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Contaminated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contaminated

[kษ™nหˆtรฆmษชหŒneษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

water pollution

Containing harmful or undesirable substances which have contaminated the water. It is not safe for consumption or use.

Synonyms

impure, polluted, tainted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contaminated

This word is often used in scientific, medical, or environmental contexts where substances have been made unsafe by the addition of harmful or poisonous materials.

  • The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste
  • The laboratory instruments were contaminated and needed sterilization
polluted

Often used in environmental contexts to indicate that air, water, or soil has been made dirty or harmful by human activities, like industrial emissions or waste disposal.

  • The river is so polluted that it's unsafe to swim in it
  • The city has taken steps to reduce air pollution from factories
tainted

This word can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it refers to substances that are spoiled or affected negatively. Figuratively, it implies corruption or damage to someone's reputation.

  • The meat was tainted and had to be discarded
  • His otherwise good record was tainted by the scandal
impure

Primarily used to describe substances that are not in their pure form due to the presence of other unwanted materials. Also sometimes used metaphorically for moral or ethical impurity.

  • The gold was found to be impure and contained traces of other metals
  • She felt her thoughts were impure and sought forgiveness

Examples of usage

  • The river became contaminated due to the factory's toxic waste dumping.
  • The contaminated water supply led to an outbreak of waterborne diseases.
Context #2 | Verb

food

To make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.

Synonyms

infect, pollute, taint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contaminated

Used when something has been made impure by contact with harmful or unwanted substances.

  • The water supply was contaminated by chemicals from the factory
pollute

Used to describe the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

  • The oil spill severely polluted the ocean
infect

Used specifically to describe the spread of disease or bacteria to a host.

  • The patient was infected with a rare virus
taint

Used when something is negatively affected or spoiled, often in a moral or figurative sense.

  • The scandal tainted his reputation

Examples of usage

  • The food was contaminated with bacteria, causing a widespread illness.
  • The restaurant had to recall the contaminated products.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Contamination can occur in various fields, like biology, chemistry, and environmental science, affecting health and ecosystems.
  • Microorganisms, heavy metals, and chemicals are common contaminants in food and water supplies.
  • The process of bioremediation uses living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment.

Health

  • Foodborne illnesses often arise from contaminated food, leading to health issues and outbreaks.
  • Cleaning and sanitation practices are vital in hospitals to prevent the contamination of sterile environments.
  • Contaminated water can lead to diseases like cholera and dysentery, affecting millions globally.

Environment

  • Oil spills are a major environmental concern, contaminating marine ecosystems and harming wildlife.
  • Soil contamination can occur due to industrial activity and agricultural practices, affecting crops and groundwater.
  • Plastic pollution in oceans is a significant contamination issue, harming marine life and entering food chains.

Pop Culture

  • Several popular disaster movies revolve around contamination themes, showcasing the dangers of biological or chemical hazards.
  • Television series often depict contamination in post-apocalyptic scenarios, emphasizing survival against pollution-related threats.
  • Video games sometimes feature contaminated environments where players must navigate through hazardous zones.

Origin of 'contaminated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'contaminare,' meaning 'to touch together' or 'to make impure.'
  • It was first used in English around the late 15th century, reflecting concerns about disease and pollution.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together,' indicating the mixing of something bad with something good.

The word 'contaminated' originates from the Latin word 'contaminatus', which means 'made impure'. The concept of contamination has been recognized throughout history, especially in the context of food and water safety. Various civilizations developed methods to prevent contamination, such as boiling water or storing food in certain ways. In modern times, the term is widely used in environmental and health contexts to describe the presence of harmful substances in a given environment.

See also: contaminate, decontaminate, decontaminating.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,231 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.