leach
word
Definition
To remove or wash away substances from soil or another material by using water or another liquid, often gradually.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in scientific, environmental, or technical contexts. Common with 'chemicals leach into', 'leach out of', or 'nutrients leach from'. Do not confuse with 'leech' (the parasite). Often passive or resultative.
Spanish: filtrar - lixiviarPortuguese (BR): lixiviar - filtrarPortuguese (PT): lixiviar - filtrarChinese (Simplified): 渗滤 - 浸出Chinese (Traditional): 滲濾 - 浸出Hindi: छानना - रिसना (पानी या रसायन का मिट्टी से)Arabic: ترشح - ترشيح (المواد الكيميائية/الماء عبر التربة)
Example Sentences
Be careful, some toxins might leach out if you heat up that plastic container.
natural
The color in this dye doesn’t leach, so your clothes won’t fade easily.
natural
Rainwater can leach salt from the soil.
basic
The chemicals may leach into the groundwater.
basic
Some nutrients leach out of the soil after heavy rain.
basic
Old pipes can cause lead to leach into drinking water.
natural