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Desalinated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desalinated

[diหหˆsรฆlษชneษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

water treatment

Desalinated refers to the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to make it suitable for human consumption and irrigation. This method is increasingly important in areas facing water scarcity, where freshwater resources are limited. The process can involve several techniques, including reverse osmosis and distillation. It plays a crucial role in providing safe drinking water in arid regions and is a key component of sustainable water management strategies.

Synonyms

purified, refined, treated.

Examples of usage

  • The desalinated water was delivered to the villages.
  • Many countries invest in desalination plants to combat water shortages.
  • Desalinated seawater can help irrigate drought-prone areas.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Desalination is commonly done using methods like reverse osmosis and distillation to separate salt from water.
  • It can produce fresh water for drinking and agriculture, especially in regions without sufficient natural freshwater resources.

Cultural Impact

  • Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE heavily rely on desalination for their water supply due to limited freshwater sources.
  • Some urban areas facing drought have begun investing in desalination infrastructure to ensure sustainable access to drinking water.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology are making desalination more efficient and affordable, reducing its environmental impacts.
  • Solar desalination techniques are being developed, which use sunlight to evaporate and condense water, offering a sustainable solution.

Economics

  • The desalination process can be costly, and the price of fresh water produced through this method can exceed that of natural sources.
  • Investment in desalination projects is increasing, particularly in water-scarce regions, aiming to provide a stable water supply.

Origin of 'desalinated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'to remove' and 'saline', which relates to salt.
  • It first emerged in scientific literature around the mid-20th century during the rise of modern water treatment technology.

The term 'desalinated' comes from the word 'desalinate,' which is a combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning removal and 'salinate,' which is derived from 'saline'โ€”referring to salt. The practice of desalination has its roots in ancient civilizations, but it wasnโ€™t until the 20th century that the technology advanced to the point where it could be applied on a larger scale. Historical methods involved boiling seawater and collecting the steam, which would leave the salt behind. Today, with the rise of environmental issues and water scarcity due to climate change and population growth, desalination has become a significant focus in many countries, prompting extensive research and development aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,435, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.