pollutants
|pol-lu-tants|
B2
/pəˈluːtənts/
(pollutant)
substance that pollutes
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pollutant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'polluere,' where 'pol-' meant 'to soil' and '-uere' meant 'to make dirty.'
Historical Evolution
'polluere' transformed into the Old French word 'polluer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pollute' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to soil or defile,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'substances that contaminate the environment.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
substances that make something impure or unclean, especially in the context of the environment.
Factories release pollutants into the air.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/30 23:06