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Irrigate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irrigate

[ˈɊr.Ɋ.ɥeɊt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

farming

To supply land with water by means of artificial channels, ditches, or pipes.

Synonyms

hydrate, moisten, water.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irrigate

Used in agricultural or medical settings. In agriculture, to supply water to crops. In medicine, to clean wounds or body parts with a stream of liquid, usually water or saline solution.

  • Farmers irrigate their fields to ensure the crops grow properly.
  • The doctor needs to irrigate the wound to remove any dirt and debris.
water

Used for adding water to plants or animals. It is a general term and is the most common word for this action.

  • Don't forget to water the plants every day.
  • She always waters the garden in the morning.
hydrate

Used in contexts related to maintaining or providing moisture to living organisms or substances. Commonly used in skincare and health.

  • Make sure to hydrate by drinking plenty of water, especially during summer.
  • This cream will help hydrate your skin and keep it soft.
moisten

Used to describe adding a small amount of liquid to make something slightly wet. Commonly used in cooking, baking, or paper/cloth treatment.

  • Moisten the cake with syrup before serving to make it extra tasty.
  • Use a damp cloth to moisten the surface before wiping it clean.

Examples of usage

  • Irrigate the fields to ensure a good harvest.
  • The farmers irrigate their crops regularly.
  • We need to irrigate the land before planting the seeds.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

To wash out (a wound or body cavity) with water or a medicated fluid.

Synonyms

cleanse, flush, rinse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irrigate

Typically used in agriculture and medical fields, 'irrigate' refers to supplying water to crops or cleaning wounds using a steady flow of liquid.

  • The farmers irrigate their fields to ensure a good harvest.
  • The doctor had to irrigate the wound to clean out debris.
cleanse

Generally used in settings related to cleaning and purification, often in a figurative or emotional sense as well as literal.

  • She used a special soap to cleanse her face every night.
  • Meditation helped him cleanse his mind from stress.
rinse

Commonly used when referring to washing away soap or residue with water, usually as the final step in cleaning.

  • After washing the dishes, make sure to rinse them thoroughly.
  • Rinse your hair to get rid of the shampoo.
flush

Often used in the context of cleaning by driving out or away liquids, also used when referring to a sudden rush of emotion or color to the face.

  • You should flush the old coolant from the radiator.
  • She felt a flush of embarrassment when she made the mistake.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse irrigated the wound to prevent infection.
  • After the surgery, the doctor irrigated the patient's abdominal cavity.
  • Irrigate your eyes with saline solution to remove any debris.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Practices

  • Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used irrigation systems to cultivate crops along the Nile River.
  • The Mesopotamians developed complex irrigation techniques around 6000 BC, helping to manage water flow from rivers.
  • The Inca civilization built extensive networks of canals and terraces in the Andes, allowing them to farm in a mountainous region.

Environmental Impact

  • While irrigation helps grow food, improper techniques can lead to problems like waterlogging and soil salinization.
  • Sustainable methods, such as drip irrigation, minimize water waste and improve crop yields.
  • Water management is crucial in arid regions, where demand often exceeds supply, making efficient irrigation systems essential.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, festivals celebrate the arrival of the rainy season, which is vital for irrigation.
  • Irrigation practices vary widely around the world, reflecting the unique geography and agricultural traditions of regions.
  • In some places, the sharing of water resources for irrigation is a community effort, promoting social bonds among farmers.

Modern Technology

  • Today, advanced irrigation technology includes automated systems that use sensors to determine water needs based on soil conditions.
  • Satellite imagery is used to monitor crop health and water usage, helping farmers make informed decisions about irrigation.
  • Precision agriculture integrates data analytics to optimize water usage, reducing waste and increasing efficiency in farming.

Origin of 'irrigate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'irrigare', meaning 'to water'.
  • It entered Middle English through Old French in the late medieval period, evolving to its current form.

The word 'irrigate' comes from the Latin word 'irrigatus', meaning 'to water'. The practice of irrigating land dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians using irrigation techniques to grow crops in arid regions. Over time, irrigation has evolved with the development of more sophisticated methods and technologies to efficiently distribute water to agricultural lands.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,074, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.