leach

[liːtʃ]

leach Definition

• 1. to remove substances from a substance by washing it with a solvent
• 2. to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation
• 3. to drain or seep through gradually

Using leach: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "leach" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The chemicals leached into the soil.

• Example

  Rainwater leaches nutrients from the soil.

• Example

  The salt has been leached out of the soil.

• Example

  The dye slowly leached out of the fabric.

leach Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for leach

• percolate
• drain
• filter
• strain
• seep

Antonyms for leach

• insert
• implant
• add

Phrases with leach

• leach away

  gradually disappear or be lost

  Example

  The company's profits were leached away by poor management.

• leach into

  to enter and spread throughout something

  Example

  The chemicals leached into the groundwater.

• leach out

  to remove or extract a substance from something by washing it with a solvent

  Example

  The salt was leached out of the soil.

Origins of leach

from Old English 'leccan', meaning 'to moisten'

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Summary: leach in Brief

The verb 'leach' [liːtʃ] means to remove substances from a substance by washing it with a solvent, to dissolve out soluble constituents from ashes, soil, etc. by percolation, or to drain or seep through gradually. Examples include 'The chemicals leached into the soil,' and 'The dye slowly leached out of the fabric.' Phrases include 'leach away,' meaning to gradually disappear or be lost, and 'leach into,' meaning to enter and spread throughout something.