contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
Examples of contamination in a Sentence
swimming in the lake is banned until the contamination is identified and neutralized
Recent Examples on the Web
An investigation into the source of salmonella contamination is ongoing, officials said.
—
Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
According to the announcement, the possible contamination was discovered through routine testing conducted by an independent laboratory.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
The researchers were careful to prevent contamination by other odor compounds by making sure the pads were only handled by the human providing the sample, and the compounds were preserved by freezing the pads, said Jardat.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contamination
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Cite this Entry
“Contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contamination. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Medical Definition
contamination
noun
con·tam·i·na·tion
kən-ˌtam-ə-ˈnā-shən
1
: a process of contaminating : a state of being contaminated
2
: something that contaminates
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