Impurity: meaning, definitions and examples
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impurity
[ ɪmˈpjʊərɪti ]
in chemistry
Impurity refers to a substance that is present in a material in small quantities, but affects the material's properties. Impurities can be introduced during the manufacturing process or naturally present in the material.
Synonyms
contaminant, foreign matter, pollutant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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impurity |
Used when referring to anything that makes a substance not pure. Often refers to unwanted substances in a bulk material, like metals, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.
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contaminant |
Generally used when referring to substances that should not be present in a particular setting, especially harmful or hazardous substances in environments like water, air, or food.
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pollutant |
Specifically refers to substances that cause pollution, typically found in discussions about environmental health, air quality, or ecological impact.
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foreign matter |
Used when mentioning any unwanted substance or object that is not originally part of a material or environment, often in the context of cleanliness and quality control.
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Examples of usage
- Impurities in the metal alloy can weaken its structural integrity.
- The impurity in the water caused it to have a strange taste.
in morality
Impurity can also refer to actions or thoughts that are considered morally wrong or indecent. It is often associated with concepts of purity and cleanliness.
Synonyms
corruption, immorality, indecency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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impurity |
Use this word when discussing substances or materials that are not pure. Can also refer to the presence of unwanted elements or moral flaws, but with a less negative connotation compared to other synonyms.
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immorality |
Ideal for discussing actions, behaviors, or beliefs that go against moral or ethical principles. This word is broadly negative and can apply to individuals or groups.
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indecency |
Commonly used when referring to actions or behavior that are socially unacceptable or offensive. This term is frequently associated with discussions about social norms and etiquette.
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corruption |
This word is often used in the context of politics, business, or organizations when discussing unethical or dishonest behavior. It carries a strongly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The priest warned against the impurity of engaging in dishonest practices.
- She felt a sense of impurity after lying to her friend.
Translations
Translations of the word "impurity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 impureza
🇮🇳 अशुद्धता
🇩🇪 Unreinheit
🇮🇩 ketidakmurnian
🇺🇦 домішка
🇵🇱 zanieczyszczenie
🇯🇵 不純物 (ふじゅんぶつ)
🇫🇷 impureté
🇪🇸 impureza
🇹🇷 kirlilik
🇰🇷 불순물 (bulsunmul)
🇸🇦 شوائب (shawā'ib)
🇨🇿 nečistota
🇸🇰 nečistota
🇨🇳 杂质 (zázhì)
🇸🇮 nečistost
🇮🇸 óhreinindi
🇰🇿 қоспа
🇬🇪 სიბინძურე (sibindzure)
🇦🇿 çirklilik
🇲🇽 impureza
Etymology
The word 'impurity' originated from the Latin word 'impuritas', which is derived from 'in-' (not) and 'purus' (pure). The concept of impurity has been present in human societies throughout history, with various cultural and religious beliefs emphasizing the importance of purity. In chemistry, the study of impurities in materials has been crucial for understanding their properties and applications.