con·tam·i·nat·ed
kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnā-təd
1
: soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association
a contaminated wound
Urine and feces of infected cats and contaminated clothing, bedding, food bowls or toys are also possible modes of transmission.—Cat Fancy
2
: made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements
Botulinum toxin is a highly lethal substance which causes death … when contaminated food is improperly canned or stored.—John Laffin
… the material could be used as a filter for cleaning contaminated drinking water.—Alexandra Goho
contaminated
2 of 2past tense and past participle of contaminate
Cite this Entry
“Contaminated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contaminated. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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