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

Some ranchers worry that wastewater might contaminate sources of groundwater and imperil their operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 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

They can also eat their way through farm produce and contaminate food supplies.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

Scientists knew they had to keep their cultures free from bacterial and viral contamination, and they knew it was possible for cells to contaminate one another if they got mixed up in culture.

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