French word

altération

Pronunciation

IPA/alteʁasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noundeterioration

Example

L'altération des aliments commence souvent lorsqu'ils sont mal conservés.

The deterioration of food often begins when it is stored improperly.

Illustration for altération (deterioration)

More examples

On remarque souvent une altération du goût quand le lait est périmé.

People often notice a change in taste when milk is past its expiration date.

Core concept

A substance, property, or state losing its original integrity through an unwanted change.

Common phrases

  • altération des aliments

    deterioration of food

  • altération du goût

    change of taste

  • altération de la texture

    change of texture

Similar words

dégradation: A worsening of quality or conditions from their original state.
détérioration: Damage caused by use or time that lowers an object's performance or appearance.
contamination: The introduction of harmful substances or microbes that undermines safety or cleanliness.

Definition in French

Action ou résultat par lequel quelque chose change de nature, de composition ou d'état, entraînant souvent une perte de qualité.

Word origin

Altération was formed from Latin alteratio and entered French as a learned term related to alterare, 'to make different', from alter, 'other'.

Usage tips

  • For spoiled food, gâter or se dégrader is often more idiomatic than using the abstract noun altération.

Other meanings

  • decaynoun
  • tamperingnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • altéreralterverb
  • altéréalteredadjective

Word lists with this word