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View synonyms for

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

/ əˈːʃə /

noun

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

  2. harmful or poisonous substances introduced into an environment

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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Other Word Forms

  • self-pollution noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pollution1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

That concluded that mining activity reduced poverty slightly, but that there was significant "worsening of environmental well-being" including increased local water and air pollution.

From

The world's seas are facing threats on multiple fronts from plastic pollution to climate change.

From

Cities often have lower pollen counts than rural areas, but pollution in urban areas can make symptoms worse.

From

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, opposes a third runway at Heathrow for this reason as well as because of noise and air pollution.

From

There is minimal to no light pollution in Trinity Alps, meaning it can be near pitch-black at your campground.

From

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pollutedPollux