Pollution

Definition

Pollution is a noun that refers to the presence or introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈluː.ʃən/
• Respelling: puh-LOO-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈluː.ʃən/
• Respelling: puh-LOO-shuhn

Etymology

The word "pollution" originates from the Latin "pollutio," meaning "defilement" or "corruption," derived from "polluere," meaning "to soil" or "to contaminate." It entered the English language in the 14th century with similar connotations.

Derivatives

• Pollutant (noun)
• Pollute (verb)
• Polluted (adjective)
• Pollution-free (adjective)
• Overpollution (noun)

Synonyms

• Contamination
• Degradation
• Defilement

Antonyms

• Purity
• Cleanliness
• Sanitation

Usage

The term "pollution" is commonly used to describe environmental harm. Examples include "Air pollution is a significant global issue" and "Efforts to reduce water pollution have increased."

Related Terms

• Environmentalism: Advocacy for protecting the environment.
• Waste: Unwanted or unusable materials.
• Conservation: The act of preserving natural resources.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The introduction of harmful substances into the environment: Refers to contamination that affects air, water, or land.
  • Example: "Industrial waste contributes to soil pollution."
• The degradation of natural habitats: Refers to the damage or destruction caused by pollutants.
  • Example: "Marine pollution harms aquatic ecosystems."
• Corruption or defilement: Used metaphorically to describe moral or cultural degradation.
  • Example: "The pollution of public discourse has increased in recent years."