contamination
kuhn-TAM-ih-NAY-shun
/kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/
The presence of unwanted or harmful substances, such as bacteria, chemicals, or foreign objects, in food or an environment.
Often implies an accidental or unintentional introduction of impurities, unlike adulteration which is usually deliberate.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'con-' (together) and 'tangere' (to touch). It originally described the corruption of something pure through physical contact with something impure, a concept that moved from ritual purity to modern microbiology.
Word relationships
- pollution: Pollution usually refers to environmental damage on a larger scale, while contamination is specific to a substance or surface.
- tainting: Tainting often implies a change in flavor or smell, whereas contamination may be invisible and odorless.
- purification: The process of removing contaminants to make something pure.
Commonly confused with
- adulteration: Contamination is usually accidental; adulteration is the deliberate addition of inferior substances for profit.
Word family
- contaminate (verb): To make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.
- contaminant (noun): A polluting or poisonous substance that makes something impure.
Collocations
- bacterial contamination
- cross contamination
- environmental contamination
- risk of contamination
Example sentences
- "The contamination of the water supply led to a temporary shutdown of the local bottling plant." Environmental safety report
- "Bacterial contamination is the leading cause of foodborne illness in processed meats." Scientific journal
Memory hook
Think of 'con' (with) + 'tam' (tamper). When you tamper with something, you cause contamination. Touch leads to taint.
When not to use
Do not use for intentional mixing of ingredients; use 'adulteration' if the intent is fraudulent.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, the 'miasma theory' suggested that contamination was spread by bad smells, rather than germs.
Related words
Explore more words
contaminant, contaminate, Pollution, decontamination, pollutant, sterile
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