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Decontaminating: meaning, definitions and examples

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decontaminating

 

[diːkənˈtæmɪneɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cleaning process

Decontaminating refers to the process of removing or neutralizing harmful substances, such as chemicals, bacteria, or radioactive materials, from an area or object. This is often done to prevent the spread of contamination and protect the health and safety of individuals.

Synonyms

cleaning, disinfecting, purifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decontaminating

Used when removing dangerous substances like chemicals, radiation, or biohazards from surfaces or environments, often in medical, military, or environmental fields.

  • After the chemical spill, a specialized team was called to decontaminate the area
  • The lab equipment requires decontaminating to prevent any cross-contamination
cleaning

General term used when making something free of dirt, dust, or mess, usually in everyday contexts such as homes, offices, and common environments.

  • I spent the afternoon cleaning the house
  • We need to start cleaning the office more regularly
purifying

Commonly refers to removing impurities or contaminants from substances like water, air, or food, often in contexts related to health, environment, and science.

  • We installed a new system for purifying water
  • The air purifying device helps to reduce allergens in the home
disinfecting

Specifically used for killing germs and bacteria to prevent infection, commonly used in healthcare settings or for household hygiene during flu seasons.

  • The hospital staff are responsible for disinfecting surgical instruments
  • During the pandemic, we started disinfecting door handles and countertops daily

Examples of usage

  • The hazmat team is decontaminating the site after a chemical spill.
  • After the nuclear accident, the workers were decontaminating the area to make it safe for habitation.
  • Decontaminating the water supply is essential to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Firefighters wear protective gear when decontaminating after a fire to avoid exposure to toxins.
  • The decontamination process involves thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'de-' meaning removal and 'contaminate' which means to make something dirty or impure.
  • In Latin, 'contaminare' means to 'mix together' or 'pollute', highlighting the action of bringing in unwanted materials.

Science

  • Decontamination is critical in hospitals to prevent infections and protect patients undergoing treatments.
  • There are three main methods: physical cleaning, chemical disinfection, and sterilization, each suited for different types of contamination.

Environmental Concerns

  • Decontamination is essential for cleaning up hazardous waste sites, ensuring that the environment and public health are safeguarded.
  • Techniques like bioremediation use living organisms to remove contaminants from soil and water, showcasing an eco-friendly approach.

Historical Significance

  • During World War I, decontamination methods were developed to counteract the use of chemical warfare agents, aiming to ensure soldier safety.
  • The first decontamination processes were heavily utilized following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, where contaminated areas required cleansing for public safety.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict decontamination scenes, such as superheroes cleaning up after a battle to prevent any dangers from the aftermath.
  • Television shows sometimes feature characters in 'decontamination chambers' after exposure to dangerous environments, emphasizing the importance of safety.

Translations

Translations of the word "decontaminating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descontaminando

🇮🇳 प्रदूषण हटाना

🇩🇪 dekontaminieren

🇮🇩 dekontaminasi

🇺🇦 деконтамінація

🇵🇱 odkażanie

🇯🇵 除染 (じょせん)

🇫🇷 décontamination

🇪🇸 descontaminación

🇹🇷 dekontaminasyon

🇰🇷 제염

🇸🇦 إزالة التلوث

🇨🇿 dekontaminace

🇸🇰 dekontaminácia

🇨🇳 去污 (qù wū)

🇸🇮 dekontaminacija

🇮🇸 afmengun

🇰🇿 деконтаминация

🇬🇪 დეკონტამინაცია

🇦🇿 dekontaminasiya

🇲🇽 descontaminación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,114, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.