Search Dictionary
Definition of contaminant

contaminant

/kənˈtæm.ə.nənt/
con · tam · i · nant
Plural:contaminants
•
Adjective:contaminative
JUMP TO:

contaminant Lexical Profile

contaminant Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A polluting or poisonous substance, material, or biological agent that makes something impure, unsafe, or unsuitable for use.

Example

"The municipal water treatment plant uses activated carbon filters to remove chemical contaminants from the drinking supply."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for contaminant
Antonyms
View all antonyms for contaminant

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'pollutant,' a 'contaminant' strictly refers to any unwanted foreign substance introduced into a medium, whereas a 'pollutant' is a contaminant present in concentrations high enough to cause actual environmental or biological harm.

• Rhymes for contaminant

• Nearby Words

containerload
containership
containment
contaminant
contaminate
contamination
contaminator

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the verb 'contaminate' plus the agent suffix '-ant,' ultimately deriving from the Latin 'contaminare' (to defile or corrupt through contact).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contaminant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contaminant
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.