impurity

[im-pyoor-i-tee]

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.

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

Ren's group, however, suspected the problem wasn't the material's intrinsic ability but the impurities within it.

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Normally, nuclear reactors use purified water, which runs through a closed system to ensure that none of the water from the reactor can get out—and that no impurities can get in.

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These effects are also very sensitive to impurities, strain, and external conditions, which makes them difficult to study.

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He feeds her salmon and bottled water; no impurities for his girl, who has Russian and Danish lineage and is as smart as she is sweet, according to the proudest of dog owners.

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Molten iron then separates from impurities and can be tapped off.

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Related Words

• contamination 
• grime 
• pollutant 
• scum