Definition

A substance that makes something dirty or harmful by adding impurities or pollutants.

Example

The water supply was tested for any harmful contaminants.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new study on water quality?

Yeah, they found a serious contaminant in the river.

That's really alarming! What kind of contaminant was it?

It was some kind of chemical runoff from nearby factories.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contaminant → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "taminare" (from Latin "taminare", meaning to touch or make impure). The word "contaminant" refers to something that makes another substance impure or unclean by coming into contact with it.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'touches' or 'makes impure' ('taminare') when it comes 'together' ('con-') with another substance — that's why a contaminant is something that pollutes.

Visually Confused Words