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Leached Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leached

[liːtʃt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

environmental science

Leached refers to the process by which soluble substances, such as minerals and nutrients, are removed from solid materials, typically soil or rocks, and dissolved in water. This process can occur naturally through rainwater or artificially through irrigation and can impact soil fertility and water quality.

Synonyms

extracted, removed, washed-out.

Examples of usage

  • Nutrients in the soil are often leached away by heavy rainfall.
  • The leached minerals can contaminate nearby water sources.
  • Farmers need to monitor how much nitrogen is leached during crop growth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • In farming, nutrients can get leached away from the soil by heavy rains, leading to less fertile land.
  • Leaching is often used to test soil, where chemicals are leached from the soil to study its composition.

Environmental Science

  • Leaching can cause pollutants from landfills to seep into groundwater, which is a significant environmental concern.
  • Contaminated soil can lead to leached hazardous substances entering rivers and lakes, impacting ecosystems.

Chemistry

  • In chemical processes, leaching can help extract metals from ores, making it an essential method in mining.
  • The process of using solvents to leach valuable compounds from solid materials is a key step in many industrial applications.

Culinary Arts

  • When making tea or coffee, heat and water leach flavors from the leaves or grounds to create the final drink.
  • Cooking methods like marinating often leach flavors from the spices and herbs into the main dish.

Origin of 'leached'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'leach' comes from the Old English 'leccan', which means to moisten or to draw forth.
  • In Middle English, 'leach' meant to filter or drain, emphasizing its connection to pulling something out.

The term 'leached' originates from the Old English word 'leccan', which means 'to moisten or wet'. The modern usage has evolved to describe the process of removing soluble materials from solid substances, particularly in soil science and environmental studies. Through centuries of agricultural practice, the impact of leaching on soil health and nutrient management became evident, leading to the importance of understanding this process for sustainable farming and preservation of natural ecosystems. The concept gained prominence in the 19th century, particularly with advancements in chemistry and environmental science that highlighted the relationship between soil, plants, and water.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,886, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.