leach
LEECH
/liːtʃ/
To drain away from soil, ash, or similar material by the action of percolating liquid, especially rainwater.
It describes the chemical process where substances are dissolved and carried away by water, often leading to pollution.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English 'leccan,' meaning 'to moisten' or 'to water.' It is related to the word 'leak.' Historically, it was used in the process of making lye from wood ashes by soaking them in water.
Word relationships
- percolate: Percolate focuses on the movement of the liquid itself, while leach focuses on the substances being carried by the liquid.
- absorb: To take in or soak up a substance.
Commonly confused with
- leech: A leech is an organism; to leach is a chemical process.
Word family
- leachable (adjective): Capable of being leached.
- leaching (noun): The process of draining away chemicals.
Collocations
- leach into soil
- leach chemicals
- leach nutrients
Example sentences
- "If not properly contained, heavy metals from discarded batteries can leach into the groundwater." Environmental impact study.
- "Nitrates can leach through the soil and contaminate local aquifers during heavy rainfall." Agricultural science.
Memory hook
Think of 'leach' as a 'liquid leak' that carries chemicals away. Liquid leak.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'leech' (the blood-sucking worm). Also, don't use it for simply pouring liquid; it implies a slow, soaking process.
Fun facts
- Leaching is a vital process in coffee making—water leaches the caffeine and flavor from the ground beans.
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