impurity

 
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpjʊərɪti/

noun (plural impurities)

[mass noun]
  • the state or quality of being impure: a struggle to rid the soul of sin and impurity
  • [count noun] a constituent which impairs the purity of something: aluminium and lead are impurities frequently found in tap water
  • [count noun] Electronics a trace element deliberately added to a semiconductor; a dopant.

Origin:

late Middle English: from French impurite or Latin impuritas, from impurus (see impure)