Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

leach

verb

/liːtʃ/

Definition

To remove soluble constituents from a substance by the action of a liquid passing through it.

Examples

The rainwater can leach nutrients from the soil.
During the filtration process, the chemicals were leached from the contaminated soil.
If not properly managed, fertilizers can leach into nearby waterways.

Meaning

In a more general sense, leaching refers to the process of extracting substances from a solid material by dissolving them in a liquid. This often occurs in nature, such as when water filters through soil or rock and carries away minerals and nutrients.