pollutant

[puh-loot-nt]

noun

1. something that pollutes.

2. any substance, as certain chemicals or waste products, that renders the air, soil, water, or other natural resource harmful or unsuitable for a specific purpose.

pollutant

/ pəˈluːtənt /

noun

1. a substance that pollutes, esp a chemical or similar substance that is produced as a waste product of an industrial process

pollutant

1. A substance or condition that contaminates air, water, or soil. Pollutants can be artificial substances, such as pesticides and PCBs, or naturally occurring substances, such as oil or carbon dioxide, that occur in harmful concentrations in a given environment. Heat transmitted to natural waterways through warm-water discharge from power plants and uncontained radioactivity from nuclear wastes are also considered pollutants.

Other Word Forms

• nonpollutant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollutant¹

First recorded in 1890–95; pollute + -ant

Example Sentences

For decades, surf camps and schools have been a mainstay of local beaches across Santa Monica Bay, but concerns over pollutants from the Palisades fire are hurting business.

From Los Angeles Times

These include leaving some of the waste in situ and placing a soil cap on top of it, upon which plants would be cultivated to help absorb pollutants.

From BBC

Prof Ren says data centres typically rely on diesel backup generators that release large amounts of harmful pollutants.

From BBC

Rico said it’s a hot spot where the falling water forms bubbles that burst and send fine particles of pollutants into the air.

From Los Angeles Times

In order to operate, it has to record daily air pollution from burning the waste for key pollutants and ensure these remain below certain levels.

From BBC

Related Words

• poison 
• pollution 
• toxic waste 
• toxin