Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

leacher

 - 3 dictionary results

leach

1[leech]
–verb (used with object)
1. to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation.
2. to cause (water or other liquid) to percolate through something.
–verb (used without object)
3. (of ashes, soil, etc.) to undergo the action of percolating water.
4. to percolate, as water.
–noun
5. the act or process of leaching.
6. a product or solution obtained by leaching; leachate.
7. the material leached.
8. a vessel for use in leaching.

Origin:
1425–75; late ME leche leachate, infusion, prob. OE *læc(e), *lec(e), akin to leccan to wet, moisten, causative of leak


leach⋅a⋅ble, adjective
leach⋅a⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, noun
leacher, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To leacher
leach   (lēch)   
v.   leached, leach·ing, leach·es

v.   tr.
  1. To remove soluble or other constituents from by the action of a percolating liquid.

  2. To empty; drain: "a world leached of pleasure, voided of meaning" (Marilynne Robinson).

v.   intr.
To be dissolved or passed out by a percolating liquid.
n.  
  1. The act or process of leaching.

  2. A porous, perforated, or sievelike vessel that holds material to be leached.

  3. The substance through which a liquid is leached.


[From Middle English leche, leachate, from Old English *lece, muddy stream; akin to leccan, to moisten.]
leach'a·bil'i·ty n., leach'a·ble adj., leach'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: leach
Pronunciation: 'lEch
Function: transitive verb
1 : to subject to the action of percolating liquid (as water) in order to separatethe soluble components
2 : to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid leach intransitive senses
: to pass out or through by percolation —leach·abil·i·ty /"lE-ch&-'bil-&t-E/ noun plural -ties
leach·able /'lE-ch&-b&l/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see leacher on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: