adulterant
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈdʌltərənt/
KK: /əˈdʌltərənt/
adjective
Definition
This word describes something that is used to make a substance impure or to lower its quality by mixing it with something else.
Example
The adulterant substances in the food were harmful to health.
Conversation
Did you hear about that new drink they’re selling?
Yeah, I heard some people are concerned about its quality.
I read that it might contain some adulterant ingredients.
That’s really worrying! I’d rather stick to the natural stuff.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impure
tainted
contaminated
Antonyms
pure
clean
unadulterated
noun
Definition
A material that is added to another substance, often to lower its quality or purity.
Example
The food industry must be vigilant to prevent the use of any adulterant in their products.
Conversation
Did you hear about the food safety issue in the news?
Yeah, they found an adulterant in some of the products.
That's really concerning! What kind of adulterant was it?
Root Explanation
Adulterant is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "alterare" (meaning to change or alter). The word refers to a substance that is added to something else, typically to change its quality or purity, often in a negative way.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'added to' ('ad-') to 'change' ('alterare') the original substance, which helps you remember that an adulterant is something that alters the purity of a product.
Visually Confused Words
alterant
cauterant
alternant
unadulterate