adulterant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance
    adulterator.
    • it is necessary to remove the adulterants before use
  2. adjective making impure or corrupt by adding extraneous materials
    adulterating.
    • the adulterating effect of extraneous materials

WordNet

A*dul"ter*ant noun
Etymology
L. adulterans, p. pr. of adulterare.
Definitions
  1. That which is used to adulterate anything. -- a. Adulterating; as, adulterant agents and processes.

Webster 1913