Definition of the word contamination

The word "contamination" comes from the Latin word "contaminare," meaning "to defile" or "to pollute." It's a combination of "con" (with) and "taminare" (to stain). The concept of contamination likely emerged early in human history as people recognized the dangers of spoiled food, disease-carrying insects, and other sources of harm. The word itself evolved gradually, appearing first in the 14th century in English as "contaminacion." Today, "contamination" refers to the introduction of harmful or unwanted substances into a pure or clean environment, encompassing everything from polluted water to viral infections.