irrigation
ir-uh-GAY-shun
/ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
The supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by means of channels, pipes, or sprinklers.
Refers to artificial water distribution systems, distinct from natural rainfall.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'irrigare', built from 'in-' (into) and 'rigare' (to water or moisten). Ancient Roman farming books used 'irrigatio' to explain leading mountain streams into arid farmlands.
Word relationships
- watering: Watering is casual and used for gardens; irrigation implies engineering systems across agricultural fields.
- drainage: The removal or runoff of excess water from land.
Commonly confused with
- irritation: 'Irrigation' is supplying water to crops; 'irritation' is feeling annoyed or inflamed.
Word family
- irrigate (verb): To supply land with water through artificial means.
- irrigated (adjective): Supplied with artificial water.
Collocations
- irrigation system
- irrigation canal
- drip irrigation
- irrigation project
Example sentences
- "Ancient civilizations along the Nile built clever irrigation canals to water farmlands during droughts." Agricultural infrastructure
- "Drip irrigation delivers precise amounts of moisture straight to crop roots, saving water." Modern technology
Memory hook
IRRIGATION = IRRIGating fields with canals of water. IRRIGATION = Artificial watering of land.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple natural rainfall or ocean tides.
Fun facts
- Around 70% of all freshwater drawn globally is dedicated strictly to agricultural irrigation.
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