First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
impure
adjective im·pure \(ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r\
: mixed with something else that is usually not as good
: sexual in a way that is considered morally wrong
Full Definition of IMPURE
: not pure: as a : lewd, unchaste b : containing something unclean : foul <impure water> c : ritually unclean d : mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance <an impure chemical>
— im·pure·ly adverb
— im·pure·ness noun
See impure defined for English-language learners
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Origin of IMPURE
Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin impurus, from in- + purus pure
Related to IMPURE
- Synonyms
- adulterate, adulterated, alloyed, contaminated, dilute, diluted, polluted, tainted, thinned, weakened
- Antonyms
- fine, pure, ultrapure, unadulterated, unalloyed, uncontaminated, uncut, undiluted, unmixed, unpolluted, untainted
Rhymes with IMPURE
abjure, adjure, Adour, allure, amour, Ashur, assure, brochure, ceinture, cocksure, coiffure, conjure, contour, couture, demure, detour, dirt-poor, endure, ensure, faubourg, for sure, Fraktur, grandeur, gravure, guipure, hachure, immure, insure, inure, kultur, land-poor, langur, ligure, manure, mature, mohur, obscure, parure, perdure, procure, rondure, secure, siddur, tambour, tandoor, tenure, Uighur, unmoor, velour, velure
IMPURE Defined for Kids
impure
adjective im·pure \im-ˈpyu̇r\
Definition of IMPURE for Kids
2
: mixed with something else that is usually not as good <impure gold>
Medical Dictionary
impure
adjective im·pure \(ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r\
Medical Definition of IMPURE
: not pure: as a : containing something unclean <impure water> b : mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance : adulterated <an impure chemical>
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