leach
1[ leech ]
/ litʃ /
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verb (used with object)
to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation.
to cause (water or other liquid) to percolate through something.
verb (used without object)
(of ashes, soil, etc.) to undergo the action of percolating water.
to percolate, as water.
noun
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Origin of leach
11425–75; late Middle English leche leachate, infusion, probably Old English *læc(e), *lec(e), akin to leccan to wet, moisten, causative of leak
OTHER WORDS FROM leach
leach·a·ble, adjectiveleach·a·bil·i·ty, nounleacher, nounun·leached, adjectiveOther definitions for leach (2 of 2)
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use leach in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for leach (1 of 3)
leach1
/ (liːtʃ) /
verb
to remove or be removed from a substance by a percolating liquid
to lose or cause to lose soluble substances by the action of a percolating liquid
another word for percolate (def. 1), percolate (def. 2)
noun
the act or process of leaching
a substance that is leached or the constituents removed by leaching
a porous vessel for leaching
Derived forms of leach
leacher, nounWord Origin for leach
C17: variant of obsolete letch to wet, perhaps from Old English leccan to water; related to leak
British Dictionary definitions for leach (2 of 3)
British Dictionary definitions for leach (3 of 3)
Leach
/ (liːtʃ) /
noun
Bernard (Howell). 1887–1979, British potter, born in Hong Kong
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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