pollution

[puh-loo-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted. polluted.

2. the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

   air pollution.

pollution

/ pəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of polluting or the state of being polluted

2. harmful or poisonous substances introduced into an environment

pollution

1. The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste.

2. ◆ Light from cities and towns at night that interferes with astronomical observations is known as light pollution. It can also disturb natural rhythms of growth in plants and other organisms.

3. ◆ Continuous noise that is loud enough to be annoying or physically harmful is known as noise pollution.

4. ◆ Heat from hot water that is discharged from a factory into a river or lake, where it can kill or endanger aquatic life, is known as thermal pollution.

Other Word Forms

• self-pollution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English pollucioun, from Old French, from Late Latin pollūtiōn-, stem of pollūtiō “defilement”; equivalent to pollute + -ion

Example Sentences

Transporting cargo by rail saves energy and lowers pollution and wear on roadways, Soule said.

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India's efforts to combat air pollution by using cloud seeding in its sprawling capital New Delhi appear to have fallen flat, with scientists and activists questioning the effectiveness of the move.

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Several association leaders noted that the suspension orders came at a time when the southern city of Gabes was protesting against pollution.

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Scientists are also learning more about the causes of dementia, such as pollution, insomnia and drinking alcohol.

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These indices assess factors such as income, housing quality, pollution exposure, and community resilience.

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