Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or condition of being impure: The quality of containing something that is not pure, clean, or morally correct.
   • A substance that makes something else impure: A specific unwanted or foreign element mixed with a substance, making it less pure or of lower quality.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Condition):
  • The impurity of the water supply was a major health concern.
  • Religious texts often discuss the impurity of certain thoughts or actions.
• Noun (Substance):
  • The chemist filtered the solution to remove any impurities.
  • This grade of silicon has a very low level of metallic impurities.

Advanced Usage

• "Moral impurity": Refers to a state of being morally corrupt or tainted.
  • The novel explores the theme of moral impurity in a decaying society.
• "Inherent impurity": An impurity that is a natural or fundamental part of something.
  • Some level of inherent impurity is expected in these naturally occurring minerals.

Variants and Related Words

• Impure (adjective): Not pure; mixed with extraneous matter, or morally wrong.
  • The air in the city was impure.
• Impureness (noun): (Less common) The state of being impure; synonymous with 'impurity' in its abstract sense.
  • The impureness of the motive was obvious.

Synonyms

• Contamination: The action or state of making something impure by polluting or poisoning it.
• Pollutant: A substance that pollutes something, especially water or the atmosphere.
• Adulteration: The action of making something poorer in quality by adding another substance.

Related Phrases

• "To remove impurities": To take out the unwanted substances.
  • The refining process is designed to remove impurities from the metal.
• "Free from impurity": Completely pure; without any foreign elements.
  • The laboratory requires chemicals that are free from impurity.

Related Idioms

• "A fly in the ointment": (Idiom) A minor irritation or flaw that spoils the value or enjoyment of something. This relates conceptually to a small 'impurity' ruining a whole.
  • The beautiful vacation had one fly in the ointment: the terrible weather.

Noun

1. the condition of being impure
2. worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
   • there were impurities in the water