B1nounenvironmentscience
US/pəˈluː.tənt/
UK/pəˈluː.tənt/
a substance that makes air, water or soil dirty and harmful
In context
Car exhaust is a major pollutant in big cities like Hanoi.
The factory released harmful pollutants into the river for years.
Scientists measure the level of pollutants in the air every day.
Words that go with pollutant
noun + noun
- air pollutantSulfur dioxide is a common air pollutant.
adjective + noun
- harmful pollutantThis harmful pollutant can damage the lungs.
- major pollutantPlastic is a major pollutant in the oceans.
verb + noun
- release pollutantsPower plants release pollutants into the atmosphere.
- emit pollutantsOld diesel engines emit more pollutants.
noun + preposition
- level of pollutantsThe level of pollutants was above the safe limit.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Plastic is a big pollution.Correct: Plastic is a big pollutant.