adulteration
act of making something impure by adding inferior material
Roots
Other words with the alter root
- adulterate: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding something inferior
- alter: to change or make different
- alteration: a change or modification
- alternate: to switch back and forth; every other one
- alternative: another possible choice
- altruism: selfless concern for the welfare of others
- altruistic: showing selfless concern for others
Adulteration is impurity by addition: the other thing gets mixed in.
Food adulteration laws exist because cheap substitutions can be dangerous.