impurity

American  

[im-pyoor-i-tee] / ɪmˈpyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

plural

impurities

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.

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impurity British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of impurity

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

Example Sentences

Novo Nordisk referenced the FDA's concerns in its lawsuit announcement on Monday, saying Hims & Hers' compounded drugs "may contain dangerous impurities or incorrect amounts of active ingredients, which can result in life-threatening immune responses".

From BBC

Ice masters look at the PH levels of the water and purify it to remove minerals and impurities.

From BBC

In quantum many-body physics, scientists have long debated how impurities behave when surrounded by large numbers of other particles.

From Science Daily

Previous research has also shown that impurities weaken the structure of ice crystals, making them less stable than pure ice.

From Science Daily

As a result, impurity buildup and energy losses were greatly reduced, allowing the plasma density to increase steadily by the end of startup.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• contamination
• grime
• pollutant
• scum