Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who makes something impure or less effective by adding inferior or inappropriate elements: An "adulterator" is a changer who lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance.
   • A substance that makes something impure or less effective: An "adulterator" is also any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of another substance.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Person):

  • The inspector was tasked with finding the adulterator who had diluted the medicine.
  • Historically, an adulterator of wine might add water to increase volume.

• Noun (Substance):

  • The chemical was identified as a dangerous adulterator in the food supply.
  • Before analysis, scientists must separate the target compound from any potential adulterators.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Regulatory Context: The term is often used in formal contexts concerning food, drug, and product safety.
  • The company was fined for acting as an adulterator of premium olive oil with cheaper oils.

Variants and Related Words

• Adulterate (verb): To make something impure or weaker by adding another substance.
  • It is illegal to adulterate milk with water.
• Adulteration (noun): The act of adulterating; the state of being adulterated.
  • The adulteration of spices with fillers is a common problem.
• Adulterant (noun): A substance used to adulterate another. (Note: This is a very close synonym for the second meaning of "adulterator").
  • Lead was discovered as an adulterant in the imported turmeric.

Synonyms

• Contaminant: A substance that makes something impure by contact or mixture.
• Dilutant/Diluent: A substance used to dilute another.
• Impurity: A foreign substance that makes something less pure.
• Falsifier: One who alters something to deceive (can overlap with the "person" meaning).

Notes on Meaning

• The word "adulterator" specifically implies a degrading or harmful alteration that reduces quality, purity, or intended effect. It carries a negative connotation of deception or corruption.
• The example from the reference context, perfectly illustrates the second meaning, where "adulterants" (synonymous with "adulterators" as substances) must be removed to ensure purity and effectiveness.

Noun

1. a changer who lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance
2. any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance
   • it is necessary to remove the adulterants before use