hydrate
HY-drayt
/ˈhaɪdreɪt/
To cause to absorb, take up, or combine with water; to supply water to maintain fluid balance.
Refers to restoring necessary physiological water levels in skin or bodily tissues.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'hudōr' (water). Chemistry adopted 'hydrate' in the 19th century to describe compound binding with water, which later broadened to biological fluid health.
Word relationships
- moisturize: 'Moisturize' usually refers to applying creams externally to skin surface.
- dehydrate: 'Dehydrate' means to lose or deprive of vital water content.
Commonly confused with
- quench: Hydrate refers to systemic biological water replenishment, whereas quench means satisfying immediate thirst feeling.
Word family
- hydration (noun): The process of absorbing water.
- dehydrated (adjective): Lacking bodily fluids.
Collocations
- stay hydrated
- hydrate properly
- hydrate skin
- hydrate the body
Example sentences
- "Doctors advise patients to hydrate continuously with clear fluids when fighting a fever." Medical wellness
Memory hook
HYDRO means water, so HYDRATE means fill up with water. Replenish essential body fluids.
When not to use
Do not use when simply drowning or soaking something in water for washing; it implies absorption.
Fun facts
- Even mild cellular dehydration can reduce cognitive function and energy focus by up to 10 percent.
Explore more words
hydration, Moisturize, irrigate, dehydrate, rejuvenate, submerge
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