leach

¹leach

Definition of LEACH

variant of leech

Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms

anemone, cephalopod, quahog

²leach

verb \ˈlēch\

Definition of LEACH

transitive verb

1

: to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid <leach out alkali from ashes>

2

: to subject to the action of percolating liquid (as water) in order to separate the soluble components

3

a : to remove (nutritive or harmful elements) from soil by percolation

b : to draw out or remove as if by percolation <all meaning has been leached from my life>

intransitive verb

: to pass out or through by percolation

— leach·abil·i·ty \ˌlē-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— leach·able \ˈlē-chə-bəl\ adjective

— leach·er noun

Examples of LEACH

1. Even a small amount of rain can leach the toxic material from the soil.
2. Certain kinds of treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil.
3. The chemical eventually leaches away from the soil.

Origin of LEACH

leach vessel through which water is passed to extract lye

First Known Use: 1796

Rhymes with LEACH

beach, beech, bleach, breach, breech, each, leech, peach, pleach, preach, reach, screech, speech, teach

leach

transitive verb \ˈlēch\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of LEACH

1

: to subject to the action of percolating liquid (as water) in order to separate the soluble components

2

: to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid

intransitive verb

: to pass out or through by percolation

—leach·abil·i·ty \ˌlē-chə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ (audio pronunciation) noun, plural ; leach·abil·i·ties

—leach·able \ˈlē-chə-bəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective