Main Entry: ²leach

Pronunciation: \ˈlēch\

Function: verb

Etymology: leach vessel through which water is passed to extract lye

Date: 1796

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