I. ə-ˈdəl-tə-ˌrāt transitive verb
( -at·ed ; -at·ing )
Etymology: Latin adulteratus, past participle of adulterare, from ad- + alter other — more at else
Date: 1531
: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element ; especially : to prepare for sale by replacing more valuable with less valuable or inert ingredients
• adul·ter·a·tor -ˌrā-tər noun
II. ə-ˈdəl-t(ə-)rət adjective
Date: 1570
1. : being adulterated : spurious
2. : tainted with adultery : adulterous