contaminate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Understanding how this molecular gearbox works could help researchers develop ways to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, slimy communities that cause infections and contaminate medical devices.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

The ground-level containers hide a chute to underground bins, one for recycling and one for general waste, that Hirra says are meant to be collected on different days so one doesn't contaminate the other.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

The aviation industry doesn’t dispute that oil and other aircraft fluids can contaminate the air on a flight, but says that the levels of chemicals released haven’t been shown to pose risk of serious illness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

The Japanese auto maker said it would recall more than 126,000 U.S. vehicles, citing concerns that debris from the manufacturing process could contaminate the engine and cause it to stall.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

“That’s important. Because if you contaminate them with anything, you can’t really use them anymore. And you don’t want HeLa cells to contaminate other cultures in a lab.”

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot