lixiviate

1 of 2

verb

lix·​iv·​i·​ate lik-ˈsi-vē-ˌāt How to pronounce lixiviate (audio)
lixiviated; lixiviating

transitive verb

: to extract a soluble constituent from (a solid mixture) by washing or percolation

lixiviation

2 of 2

noun

lix·​iv·​i·​a·​tion
plural -s
: the process of lixiviating : percolation

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin lixivium lye, from lixivius made of lye, from lixa lye — more at liquid

First Known Use

Verb

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lixiviate was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lixiviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lixiviate. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

lixiviate

transitive verb
lix·​iv·​i·​ate lik-ˈsiv-ē-ˌāt How to pronounce lixiviate (audio)
lixiviated; lixiviating
: to extract a soluble constituent from (a solid mixture) by washing or percolation
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