leach
/liːtʃ/
noun
- The process by which substances are removed from a material by a liquid passing through it.
- The leach of nutrients can be reduced by adding organic matter to the garden.
- Scientists studied the leach of salt from the soil after the flood.
- The leach of heavy metals from old mines is a serious environmental concern.
verb
- To drain or remove substances from a material, such as soil or ash, by the action of a liquid passing through it.
- Rainwater can leach important minerals from the soil.
- The chemicals leached out of the landfill and polluted the nearby stream.
- Farmers worry that heavy rain will leach nutrients away from their crops.
- To gradually remove or extract something, often in a harmful or unwanted way.
- Constant stress can leach the joy out of everyday life.
- The long drought leached the color from the once-vibrant landscape.
- High fees leach money from the family budget every month.