1. the action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning
2. a polluting or poisonous substance

Examples

• The water supply showed signs of bacterial contamination.
• Scientists are studying soil contamination from the chemical spill.
• Food contamination can cause serious illness.
• The lab follows strict procedures to prevent contamination of samples.
• Radioactive contamination made the area unsafe for residents.
• Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods is dangerous.
• The contamination spread quickly through the groundwater.