1. a substance that contaminates or makes impure the environment, especially air, water, or soil

Examples

• Carbon monoxide is a dangerous air pollutant from car exhaust.
• The factory was fined for releasing chemical pollutants into the river.
• Plastic waste has become a major pollutant in our oceans.
• Scientists are studying the effects of various pollutants on marine life.
• The new regulations limit the amount of pollutants that can be discharged.
• Nitrogen oxides are common pollutants produced by power plants.
• The city installed monitors to track pollutant levels in the atmosphere.