pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlü-tᵊnt 
plural pollutants
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
sources of pollutants [=pollution] in the environment
Meanwhile, scientists warned that other air pollutants—especially from automobiles—might also be contributing to health problems, forest damage and decreased crop production. —
National Wildlife
National Wildlife Formaldehyde is an important atmospheric pollutant that can be produced in photochemical smog. —Des W. Connell
Des W. Connell A 165-foot cement tower contains radium-rich blends that have given off radon gas—a pollutant that can cause cancer. —Michael H. Brown
Michael H. Brown Synonyms
Examples of pollutant in a Sentence
filtered the pollutants out of the water
Recent Examples on the Web
Air pollutants from wildfires are dangerous to the immediate fire zone and surrounding communities, but the harm can reach out farther.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
The environmental pollutants that accompany 2025's unprecedented wildfires can cause serious damage to the body's largest organ (and its first line of defense).
—Kelly Dougher, Allure, 14 Jan. 2025
Avoid indoor pollutants: Refrain from burning candles, incense, or using gas stoves unnecessarily.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
One of the immediate concerns is the danger of a massive amount of pollutants flying through the air and seeping into the ground.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pollutant 
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Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
The environmental pollutants that accompany 2025's unprecedented wildfires can cause serious damage to the body's largest organ (and its first line of defense).
—Kelly Dougher, Allure, 14 Jan. 2025
Avoid indoor pollutants: Refrain from burning candles, incense, or using gas stoves unnecessarily.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
One of the immediate concerns is the danger of a massive amount of pollutants flying through the air and seeping into the ground.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pollutant
Dictionary Entries Near pollutant
Cite this Entry
“Pollutant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollutant. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
Medical Definition
pollutant
noun
pol·lut·ant
pə-ˈlüt-ᵊnt
: something that pollutes
especially
: something (such as anthropogenic waste) that makes an environment unsuitable or unsafe for use
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