contamination
UK: kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən | US: kənˌtæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən
n. the action or state of making something impure or harmful by introducing a polluting substance
n. the presence of an unwanted element in a substance, environment, or system
contamination = con<together> + tamin<touch/pollute> + ation<noun suffix>
- con-: Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with," intensifying the root.
- tamin-: Derived from Latin taminare (to pollute), related to tamen (stain, defilement).
- -ation: Suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin contaminare (to defile or corrupt by contact), combining con- (intensive) and taminare (to pollute). It entered Middle English via Old French contaminacion, retaining its core sense of impurity through physical or metaphorical contact. The morphemes logically progress from "touching together" to "corrupting."
The contamination of the river was caused by industrial waste.
Strict protocols prevent bacterial contamination in laboratories.
The scandal led to the contamination of his public reputation.
Air contamination levels exceeded safety standards.
Food contamination can result from improper handling.