verb to make something impure or polluted by contact or mixture with something unclean or harmful
Contaminate refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, such as pollutants or toxins, which can have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.
In chemistry, contamination can occur when impurities are introduced into a substance, affecting its purity and potentially altering its properties.
Contaminated medical equipment or supplies can pose serious health risks to patients by spreading infections or diseases.
Contaminated waste, such as hazardous materials or toxic substances, requires special handling and disposal methods to prevent environmental harm.
Contamination in the food industry refers to the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or chemicals in food products, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Contaminated water sources can contain pollutants or pathogens that make the water unsafe for drinking or recreational use.
In the context of a writer, 'contaminate' may be used to describe how a character's actions or decisions can contaminate the overall plot of a story, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Psychologists may use the term 'contaminate' when discussing cognitive distortions or negative thought patterns that can contaminate a person's perception of reality and lead to mental health issues.
Environmental scientists use 'contaminate' to describe the presence of harmful substances in soil, water, or air that can have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.
In the field of medical research, 'contaminate' may refer to the unintended presence of foreign substances in a sample or experiment, which can skew results and compromise the validity of the study.