accidental contamination (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Noun phrase

Phonetic Transcription

• /ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl ˌkɒntæmɪˈneɪʃən/

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "accidental contamination" refers to unintentional introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into a particular environment or product. This can occur in various contexts, such as food safety, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. The frequency of use is moderate, often found in written contexts such as scientific literature, regulatory documents, and safety guidelines.

In general, "accidental contamination" is used more in written English, particularly in formal or technical discussions regarding health and safety standards.

Example Sentences

1. The accident resulted in accidental contamination of the water supply.

2. Translation: Aquele acidente resultou na contaminação acidental do abastecimento de água.

3. Strict protocols are necessary to prevent accidental contamination in laboratories.

4. Translation: Protocolos rigorosos são necessários para prevenir a contaminação acidental em laboratórios.

5. The food industry is constantly working to minimize the risk of accidental contamination.

6. Translation: A indústria alimentícia está constantemente trabalhando para minimizar o risco de contaminação acidental.

Idiomatic Expressions

While the specific phrase "accidental contamination" may not be widely used in idiomatic expressions, related concepts often appear in discussions about safety, hygiene, and public health. Below are some idiomatic expressions related to the idea of contamination or similar issues:

1. Caught red-handed - Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
2. He was caught red-handed when the accidental contamination of food was discovered.

3. Translation: Ele foi pego em flagrante quando a contaminação acidental dos alimentos foi descoberta.

4. Step on someone's toes - To offend or upset someone, especially by meddling in their area of responsibility.

5. The accidental contamination in the lab led to a lot of toe-stepping among team members.

6. Translation: A contaminação acidental no laboratório levou a muitas desavenças entre os membros da equipe.

7. Clean slate - A fresh start or a new beginning, especially after difficulties.

8. After addressing the accidental contamination issues, the organization aimed for a clean slate.

9. Translation: Depois de resolver os problemas de contaminação acidental, a organização buscou um novo começo.

10. Bite the bullet - To face a difficult situation with courage.

11. They had to bite the bullet and deal with the consequences of the accidental contamination.

12. Translation: Eles tiveram que enfrentar as consequências da contaminação acidental com coragem.

13. In hot water - In trouble or facing difficulties.

14. The company found itself in hot water due to the accidental contamination of its products.
15. Translation: A empresa se viu em apuros devido à contaminação acidental de seus produtos.

Etymology

The word "accidental" originates from the Late Latin term "accidens," which means "happening" or "occurring," derived from "accidere," meaning "to fall upon." The term "contamination" comes from the Latin "contaminare," where "com-" means "with" and "taminare" relates to "touching"; thus, it signifies the act of making something unclean or impure by contact.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: inadvertent pollution, unintentional contamination, incidental contamination
• Antonyms: intentional purification, deliberate safety, planned cleanliness

This comprehensive overview of the term "accidental contamination" provides you with a clear understanding of its meaning, usage, context, and related idioms while tracing its linguistic roots.