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Desalinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desalinate

[dษชหˆsรฆlษชneษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

water treatment

To desalinate means to remove the salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water, making it suitable for human consumption or irrigation. The process typically involves techniques such as reverse osmosis or distillation. Desalination is increasingly vital in areas where fresh water is scarce, and it serves as a critical solution to water shortages around the globe. It is a complex and energy-intensive process but has become widely adopted in coastal regions.

Synonyms

purify, refine, treat.

Examples of usage

  • The plant can desalinate 100 million liters of seawater per day.
  • Governments are investing in technology to desalinate water more efficiently.
  • Desalinate methods are essential for arid regions with limited freshwater sources.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Desalination is often used in arid regions where fresh water is scarce but seawater is abundant.
  • Using solar energy in desalination can make processes more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Technological Advancements

  • Reverse osmosis is a popular desalination technology, pushing water through a membrane to filter out salt.
  • New developments in materials science are leading to more efficient membranes that reduce energy use.

Global Impact

  • Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates rely heavily on desalination for their water supply.
  • As populations grow, the demand for desalination is increasing, making it an essential technology for the future.

Health and Safety

  • Desalinated water can be essential for regions affected by drought, ensuring access to clean drinking water.
  • However, the desalination process can lead to environmental concerns due to brine disposal.

Origin of 'desalinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines the prefix 'de-' meaning 'to remove' and 'salinate,' which relates to salt.
  • The process has roots in Latin, where 'sal' means 'salt.'

The term 'desalinate' originates from the prefix 'de-', which means 'removal' or 'reversal,' combined with 'salinate,' derived from 'salinity,' the concentration of salts in water. The first known use of desalination in modern contexts dates back to the 1950s, although the techniques to remove salt from water have been practiced for centuries. Early methods included solar evaporation and distillation, commonly used in maritime and fishing communities. As awareness of freshwater scarcity increased, particularly in arid regions, advancements in science and technology led to the development of more efficient desalination processes, such as reverse osmosis. Today, desalination plays a crucial role in providing safe drinking water and supporting agricultural needs in many parts of the world, reflecting humanity's ongoing struggle with water resource management.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,067, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.