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Desalination: meaning, definitions and examples

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desalination

 

[ ˌdiːsəˈleɪnəʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

water treatment

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water suitable for human consumption and irrigation. It is increasingly important in regions facing water scarcity due to droughts or increased demand. The two most common desalination technologies are reverse osmosis and distillation. Advances in this field aim to make desalination more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Synonyms

salt removal, water purification

Examples of usage

  • Desalination plants provide fresh water for cities in arid regions.
  • The cost of desalination has decreased with new technology.
  • Governments are investing in desalination to combat water shortages.

Translations

Translations of the word "desalination" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dessalinização

🇮🇳 नमकीनता कम करना

🇩🇪 Entsalzung

🇮🇩 desalinasi

🇺🇦 осолення

🇵🇱 odsolenie

🇯🇵 淡水化

🇫🇷 dessalement

🇪🇸 desalinización

🇹🇷 tuzdan arındırma

🇰🇷 담수화

🇸🇦 إزالة الملوحة

🇨🇿 odsolování

🇸🇰 odsoľovanie

🇨🇳 脱盐

🇸🇮 desalinizacija

🇮🇸 saltnun

🇰🇿 тұзсыздандыру

🇬🇪 სალინიზაცია

🇦🇿 duzlaşdırma

🇲🇽 desalinización

Word origin

The term 'desalination' originates from the Latin word 'sal', meaning 'salt', and the prefix 'de-', which implies removal or reversal. The technique of desalting water has been practiced since ancient times, especially in arid regions. Early references can be found in works associated with the Arab world, where saltwater was boiled to produce freshwater vapor. However, the modern concept and terminology of seawater desalination emerged in the mid-20th century when advances in technology made it more viable. After World War II, there was a significant increase in research and investment in desalination, leading to the development of large-scale plants in regions like the Middle East, where freshwater resources are limited. The process has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity globally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,394, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.