con·tam·i·nate [ kən támmi nàyt ](past and past participlecon·tam·i·nat·ed, present participlecon·tam·i·nat·ing, 3rd person present singularcon·tam·i·nates)
transitive verb
Definition:
1. make dirty or impure: to make something impure, unclean, or polluted, especially by mixing harmful impurities into it or by putting it into contact with something harmful contaminate blood products
2. make unfit for use: to make something such as soil unfit for use or exploitation as a result of contact with polluting or harmful substances land contaminated by heavy industry
[15th century. < Latin contaminat-, past participle of contaminare< contamen, literally "touching with" < tangere "to touch"]
