What does pollutant mean?
A pollutant is a substance or energy that makes an environment harmful, unhealthy, or unclean. Common examples include smoke, heavy metals, plastics, pesticides, and certain industrial chemicals. The word is especially associated with environmental and public-health discussions, where pollutants are described according to their source, effects, or location, as in “air pollutants,” “toxic pollutants,” or “water pollutants.” A pollutant is distinct from pollution itself: the pollutant is the harmful agent, while pollution refers to the condition or process of contamination. Although some pollutants have obvious effects, such as sewage or smoke, others are difficult to detect because they are colourless, dispersed, or present in very small concentrations. Understanding the term is useful for following environmental policy, evaluating health risks, and distinguishing contamination from other forms of environmental damage.
nounA substance or energy that makes air, water, soil, or another environment harmful or unclean. Pollutants can cause or contribute to ecological damage, disease, or deterioration of natural systems.
- A substance or energy that contaminates air, water, soil, or another environment and may cause harm.
"The factory was ordered to reduce the pollutants released into the river."
"Airborne pollutants can travel far beyond the areas where they are produced."
"Heavy metals are serious pollutants of industrial soil and groundwater."
Used when referring to multiple harmful substances or sources of contamination.
"The report identified several pollutants in the groundwater."
A pollutant can be invisible, such as fine particles in the air, or conspicuous, such as oil floating on water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pollutant come from?
The word derives from the Latin verb pollute, meaning to defile or make unclean, which in turn comes from polluere, formed from pol- or pul-, associated with dirt or filth. English borrowed pollute in the late Middle English period, and the derivative pollutant developed in the 19th century as scientific and environmental terminology became more prominent.
Related word forms
How pollutant is actually used
The term is formal and commonly used in environmental, scientific, and public-health contexts. It usually refers to substances or forms of energy whose presence causes or threatens harm.
Easily confused with pollutant
A pollutant is a harmful substance, whereas pollution is the presence or act of introducing such substances into the environment.