C1nounformalenvironmenthealth
US/kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
UK/kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
the presence of a harmful or unwanted substance in something such as water, food or soil
In context
Officials closed the beach because of contamination from a sewage leak.
Food contamination can happen when raw meat touches other products.
Tests showed high levels of chemical contamination in the soil.
Words that go with contamination
noun + noun
- water contaminationWater contamination made hundreds of residents sick.
- food contaminationWashing your hands helps prevent food contamination.
noun + preposition
- risk of contaminationThere is a risk of contamination if the pipes leak.
verb + noun
- prevent contaminationGloves help prevent contamination in the lab.
adjective + noun
- radioactive contaminationRadioactive contamination forced thousands to leave their homes.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a contaminationCorrect: contamination
Incorrect:
contamination to waterCorrect: contamination of water