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contaminate

verb

/kənˈtæm əˌneɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of contaminate

To pollute, taint, or infect something with harmful or undesirable substances or elements.
"The oil spill threatened to contaminate the coastal waters and endanger marine life."

Detailed meaning of contaminate

When an object, environment, or substance is contaminated, it becomes impure or unsafe for its intended purpose. Contamination can occur through the introduction of toxic chemicals, pollutants, pathogens, or foreign particles. It can affect various contexts, such as food, water, air, soil, and even social or cultural systems. Contamination can have detrimental effects on health, safety, and the environment, leading to illness, ecological damage, or the compromised quality of products. Preventing contamination is crucial in industries like healthcare, food production, and environmental management. Efforts are made to maintain cleanliness, implement safety measures, and adhere to strict regulations to minimize the risks associated with contamination.

Example sentences containing contaminate

1. It's important to ensure that raw meat doesn't contaminate other foods in your refrigerator.
2. Always wash your hands thoroughly so you don't accidentally contaminate your food.
3. The toxic waste dumped illegally has the potential to contaminate the city's water supply.
4. Pesticides can contaminate soil, making it unfit for farming.
5. The infection could contaminate the entire ward if not isolated immediately.
6. A bad apple can contaminate the rest of the bunch, so always check your produce.

History and etymology of contaminate

The verb 'contaminate' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'contaminare,' which is formed from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'taminare' meaning 'to pollute' or 'to defile.' This etymology aptly conveys the essence of 'contaminate' as the act of figuratively polluting or defiling something by introducing harmful or undesirable substances or elements into it. It implies a process of mixing something impure with what was previously pure or uncontaminated, leading to a loss of quality or integrity. The term 'contaminate' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of polluting or defiling, highlighting the potential harm or deterioration that can occur when harmful elements are introduced into a previously uncontaminated environment or substance.

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Further usage examples of contaminate

1. The lab must be sterile; we can't afford to contaminate the samples.
2. Lead pipes in older homes can contaminate drinking water and pose health risks.
3. Unregulated industrial waste can contaminate rivers, leading to serious ecological consequences.
4. Careless disposal of plastic waste can contaminate our oceans, threatening marine ecosystems.
5. To prevent disease spread, we must be careful not to contaminate shared spaces.
6. Factories can contaminate water sources with hazardous waste, harming ecosystems.
7. Please, don't contaminate the lake with trash; wildlife calls it home.
8. Wash hands to not contaminate others with germs when you're sick.
9. Pesticides can contaminate soil, affecting plant and animal life.
10. Oil spills contaminate oceans, leading to severe environmental damage.
11. Mining activities often contaminate nearby rivers, killing fish.
12. Toxic chemicals can contaminate air, causing health issues.
13. Don’t contaminate parks by leaving trash; respect nature.
14. Industrial waste can contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe.
15. Radiation can contaminate the environment for thousands of years.
16. Littering can contaminate beaches, harming marine life.
17. Plastic waste can contaminate the sea, endangering aquatic life.
18. Improper disposal can contaminate the land, leading to pollution.
19. Emissions from cars contaminate the air we breathe daily.
20. Dumpsites near rivers contaminate water, affecting human health.
21. Factories need filters to not contaminate the air with pollutants.
22. Incorrect chemical disposal can contaminate ecosystems, causing harm.
23. Never contaminate the wilderness; preserve it for the future.
24. Raw sewage can contaminate the environment, spreading disease.
25. Pesticide runoff can contaminate freshwater sources, killing organisms.