impurity

[ im-pyoor-i-tee ]

noun

, plural im·pu·ri·ties

1. the quality or state of being impure.

   Synonyms: taint, pollution, contamination

2. Often impurities. something that is or makes impure:

   After the flood the authorities warned against impurities in the drinking water.

impurity

/ ɪmˈpjʊərɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being impure
2. an impure thing, constituent, or element

   impurities in the water

3. electronics a small quantity of an element added to a pure semiconductor crystal to control its electrical conductivity See also acceptor donor

Word History and Origins

Origin of impurity¹

1400–50; late Middle English impurite < Latin impūritās. See impure, -ity

Example Sentences

Electrospinning using a starch-rich ingredient such as white flour is more challenging than using pure starch, as the impurities -- the protein and cellulose -- make the mixture more viscous and unable to form fibres.

From Science Daily

No longer able to clean the blood of impurities, the Frankensteined kidney becomes a "pathological neuro-immune endocrine organ," as the UVA researchers describe it in a new scientific paper, that can cause serious health problems.

From Science Daily

A Forest Service report said it could not rule out potential heavy metal impurities in retardant, which was hosed down from firefighting planes.

From Los Angeles Times

The drug, which fights cravings, was available a few years ago on the NHS under the brand name Champix but was withdrawn due to some impurities.

From BBC

It followed concerns in several countries that the products may contain the impurity.

From BBC

Related Words

• contamination
• grime
• pollutant
• scum