contamination

/kəntæmɪˈneɪʃɪn/

/kəntæmɪˈneɪʃɪn/

Other forms: contaminations

Contamination is the unwanted pollution of something by another substance. When a nuclear power plant leaks radiation into the atmosphere, for example, it causes a contamination of the surrounding area.

Contamination can also be used to refer to abstract ideas and concepts rather than to just physical things. The French complain that the increasing adoption of English words is a contamination of their linguistic heritage, and many parents today think rap music is a contamination of the public culture.

Definitions of contamination

1. noun

   the state of being contaminated
   synonyms: taint

   types:

   dust contamination

   state of being contaminated with dust

   type of:

   impureness, impurity

   the condition of being impure
2. noun

   the act of contaminating or polluting; including (either intentionally or accidentally) unwanted substances or factors
   synonyms: pollution

   antonyms:

   decontamination

   the removal of contaminants

   types:

   dust contamination

   the act of contaminating with dust particles

   type of:

   dirtying, soiling, soilure

   the act of soiling something
3. noun

   a substance that contaminates
   synonyms: contaminant

   type of:

   material, stuff

   the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object