Lees Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📖

Add to dictionary

lees

[liːz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

reading

Plural form of the word 'lee', which refers to the side of a ship or aircraft that is sheltered from the wind.

Synonyms

downwind side, sheltered side.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lees	This term is often used in nautical or sailing contexts to describe the side of a ship or area that is protected from the wind. It is a more specific term and less commonly used in everyday conversation. The ship anchored on the lees to avoid the strong winds. We found shelter on the lees as the storm approached.
sheltered side	This term is general and can be used in various contexts to refer to any side or area that is protected from wind or other natural elements. It is commonly used in everyday language as well as in specific situations like gardening, construction, and outdoor activities. We planted the delicate flowers on the sheltered side of the garden. During the blizzard, we parked the car on the sheltered side of the building to avoid snow damage.
downwind side	This phrase is used to describe the side of an object or area that is in the direction the wind is blowing towards. It is common in weather reports, outdoor activities, and aviation. When setting up a campsite, always build your fire on the downwind side. The pilot adjusted the course to avoid turbulence on the downwind side of the mountain.

Word

Description / Examples

lees

This term is often used in nautical or sailing contexts to describe the side of a ship or area that is protected from the wind. It is a more specific term and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

The ship anchored on the lees to avoid the strong winds.
We found shelter on the lees as the storm approached.

sheltered side

This term is general and can be used in various contexts to refer to any side or area that is protected from wind or other natural elements. It is commonly used in everyday language as well as in specific situations like gardening, construction, and outdoor activities.

We planted the delicate flowers on the sheltered side of the garden.
During the blizzard, we parked the car on the sheltered side of the building to avoid snow damage.

downwind side

This phrase is used to describe the side of an object or area that is in the direction the wind is blowing towards. It is common in weather reports, outdoor activities, and aviation.

When setting up a campsite, always build your fire on the downwind side.
The pilot adjusted the course to avoid turbulence on the downwind side of the mountain.

Examples of usage

The ship turned to the lees to avoid the strong winds.
The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to the lees for a smoother ride.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

textiles

The act of removing the nap or fuzz from a fabric by brushing or cutting.

Synonyms

buff, polish, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lees	Use this word to describe the sediment at the bottom of a liquid, especially in wine-making. It refers to the leftover yeast and particles after fermentation. The wine was aged on the lees for an extra layer of complexity. The winemaker decided to filter out the lees before bottling.
smooth	This is a general term for describing something with an even, flat surface without any bumps or roughness. It’s very versatile and can be used for both physical textures and metaphorical uses such as interactions or processes. The marble countertop was cool and smooth to the touch. Their transition to the new software was surprisingly smooth.
polish	Use this word to talk about making a surface smooth and shiny, most often when referring to surfaces like shoes, furniture, or floors. It can also mean improving something to make it better. He polished his shoes until they gleamed. She spent months polishing her manuscript before submitting it to the publisher.
buff	This word is often used to describe making something smooth and shiny by rubbing it, or it can also refer to being muscular. The choice of context is essential. He spent hours buffing the car to get that perfect shine. After hitting the gym regularly, she was in great shape and quite buff.

Examples of usage

She carefully leesed the fabric to give it a smoother texture.
The tailor leesed the edges of the garment for a clean finish.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Wine Production

Lees can be classified into two types: gross lees, which are larger particles, and fine lees, which are smaller and more sediment-like.
During the aging process, some winemakers leave their wine in contact with the fine lees to enhance flavors and mouthfeel.
Knowing when to remove the lees is crucial, as too long can lead to undesirable flavors, while too early may result in a lack of complexity.

Chemistry

Lees are comprised of dead yeast cells, grape solids, and other compounds that result from fermentation.
The presence of certain compounds in lees can be beneficial for the wine, as they may contain amino acids and vitamins that contribute to its taste.
Secondary fermentation in sparkling wines often occurs with lees, resulting in a characteristic flavor profile.

Culinary Uses

Some chefs employ lees in cooking, adding depth to sauces and marinades.
In certain cultures, lees are used to make vinegar or flavor rice dishes.
Bakers sometimes use lees from wine-making in recipes to enhance fermentation in bread making.

Environmental Aspects

Lees can be repurposed as a natural fertilizer, enriching soil with nutrients from the fermentation process.
Some wineries use lees in composting efforts to minimize waste and enhance biodiversity within their ecosystems.
Recent research is exploring how lees can be used in sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact in winemaking.

Origin of 'lees'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English word 'leȝs,' meaning 'something left over.'
It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'lese,' meaning 'to leave behind.'
The term has been used since at least the 14th century, primarily in winemaking contexts.

The word 'lees' has origins in Middle English and Old English, where it originally referred to the sheltered side of a ship. Over time, it has also come to be used in textiles to describe the process of removing nap or fuzz. The word has maintained its nautical and textile associations, reflecting its historical roots in these industries.