What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toxicant
Example
The toxicant in the cleaning product caused severe skin irritation. [toxicant: noun]
Example
The factory was fined for releasing toxicants into the river, harming aquatic life. [toxicants: plural noun]
contaminant
Example
The water was contaminated with bacteria, making it unsafe to drink. [contaminated: past participle]
Example
The food was recalled due to the presence of a contaminant that could cause illness. [contaminant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contaminant is more commonly used than toxicant in everyday language. Contaminant is a broader term that covers a wider range of substances and contexts, while toxicant is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toxicant and contaminant?
Both toxicant and contaminant are formal words that are typically used in technical or scientific contexts. However, contaminant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while toxicant is less common and more likely to be used in formal or technical writing.
