(~r, ~st)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ substance is not mixed with anything else.
...a carton of ~ orange juice.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
2.
Something that is ~ is clean and does not contain any harmful substances.
In remote regions, the air is ~ and the crops are free of poisonous insecticides.
...demands for ~r and cleaner river water.
ADJ
purity
They worried about the purity of tap water.
N-UNCOUNT: with poss
3.
If you describe something such as a colour, a sound, or a type of light as ~, you mean that it is very clear and represents a perfect example of its type.
...flowers in a whole range of blues with the occasional ~ white.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
purity
The soaring purity of her voice conjured up the frozen bleakness of the Far North.
N-UNCOUNT
4.
If you describe a form of art or a philosophy as ~, you mean that it is produced or practised according to a standard or form that is expected of it. (FORMAL)
Nicholson never swerved from his aim of making ~ and simple art.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
purity
...verse of great purity, sonority of rhythm, and symphonic form.
N-UNCOUNT
5.
Pure science or ~ research is concerned only with theory and not with how this theory can be used in practical ways.
Physics isn’t just about ~ science with no immediate applications...
? applied
ADJ: ADJ n
6.
Pure means complete and total.
The old man turned to give her a look of ~ surprise...
= sheer
ADJ emphasis