Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
pollutant
noun
/pəˈluːtənt/
Definition
A pollutant is a substance that contaminates an environment, causing harm or discomfort to living organisms.
Examples
- Carbon monoxide is a common pollutant found in vehicle emissions.
- Plastic waste is a serious pollutant in our oceans.
- The factory was fined for releasing pollutants into the river.
Meaning
Pollutants can be natural or man-made and are typically unwanted additions to the air, water, or soil that have adverse effects on the health of living beings and the environment.
Synonyms
- contaminant
- impurity
- hazard
- toxin
