impurity

noun

im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
plural impurities
1
: something that is impure or makes something else impure
removing impurities from water
2
: the quality or state of being impure

Examples of impurity in a Sentence

the impurity of the water The syrup is strained to remove impurities. The water is free of impurities.
Recent Examples on the Web Understanding if and how that impurity affects the supply may require different trials. Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024 During that time, most of the minerals are separated out, so the ice has extremely low levels of hardness and few, if any, impurities. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2024 The gel formula removes dirt and impurities without over-drying the skin, and the brand’s signature probiotics infuse the complexion with glow-boosting nutrients. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 Boil for 2 to 3 hours, skimming often within the first 20 to 30 minutes and removing any impurities from broth. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024 One longstanding problem with AlN is in doping, which is the insertion of impurity elements that give a semiconductor an excess of charges, thereby enabling it to carry current. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2024 Lab-Qualified All the products from the best kratom brand for pain relief are lab-tested for bacteria and other impurities. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2024 The second source of unwanted immune response is impurities from mRNA production. Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 Rael – Acne Healing Patches Annihilate any blemish with these water-resistant patches that protect and hydrate, all while extracting dirt and other impurities. Erin Michelle Newberg, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impurity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impurity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impurity

Cite this Entry

“Impurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impurity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impurity

noun
im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
plural impurities
1
: the quality or state of being impure
2
: something that is impure or that makes impure
remove impurities from water

Medical Definition

impurity

noun
im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce impurity (audio)
plural impurities
: something that is impure or makes something else impure

More from Merriam-Webster on impurity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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