ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contaminated

adj.
US //kənˈtæməˌneɪtɪd// UK //kəntˈæmɪnˌeɪtɪd// con·tam·i·nat·ed
  1. 1 impure or toxic (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    dirty or dangerous because of chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful things.

    rendered impure, harmful, or unusable by the introduction of undesirable or toxic elements.

    Example

    The local council warned residents not to drink the contaminated water.

    Example

    The investigation revealed that the groundwater had been contaminated by industrial runoff from the nearby chemical processing plant.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'with' to identify the source of pollution.

© 2026 English Reference