hydrate

[hahy-dreyt]

noun

1. any of a class of compounds containing chemically combined water. In the case of some hydrates, as washing soda, Na 2 CO 3 ⋅10H 2 O, the water is loosely held and is easily lost on heating; in others, as sulfuric acid, SO 3 ⋅H 2 O, or H 2 SO 4 , it is strongly held as water of constitution.

verb (used with or without object)

hydrated, hydrating 

1. to combine chemically with water.

hydrate

/ ˈhaɪdreɪt /

noun

1. a chemical compound containing water that is chemically combined with a substance and can usually be expelled without changing the constitution of the substance

2. a chemical compound that can dissociate reversibly into water and another compound. For example sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) dissociates into sulphur trioxide (SO 3 ) and water (H 2 O)

3. (not in technical usage) a chemical compound, such as a carbohydrate, that contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio two to one

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo treatment or impregnation with water

hydrate

1. A compound produced by combining a substance chemically with water. Many minerals and crystalline substances are hydrates.

1. To combine a compound with water, especially to form a hydrate.

2. To supply water to a person in order to restore or maintain a balance of fluids.

Other Word Forms

• hydration noun
• hydrator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrate¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; hydr- ¹ + -ate ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrate¹

C19: from _hydro- + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

She makes sure all the crew keep hydrated, and then she’s back trying to install a brighter light in a giant plastic cauldron.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a reference to how these plants have adapted to a cycle of hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters by establishing deep tap roots that keep them hydrated even during long dry spells.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jim Crist, 71, a volunteer, signaled the start and reminded everyone jockeying for position on a muddy slope to stay hydrated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Coming around the 30th and 75th minutes, the pauses in play allow teams to hydrate and use ice towels.

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Meat and dairy farms rely on water to hydrate their animals, grow crops to feed them and even to cool them off in extreme heat.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal