verb
Uncommon
leach
leech
Leach (verb) means to remove a soluble substance from something by letting liquid filter through it, or (of a substance) to be removed this way. Example: “Heavy rain can leach nutrients out of the soil.”
verb
1
To remove a soluble substance from something by letting liquid filter through it, or (of a substance) to be removed this way.
"Heavy rain can leach nutrients out of the soil."
"Chemicals from the old factory leached into the groundwater."
How to use leach
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo seep out of something, or draw a substance out by percolation.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "leech" (the bloodsucking worm, or a person who exploits others) — they sound alike but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- leaches
- Past tense
- leached
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Heavy rain can _____ nutrients out of the soil.
Etymology
From Old English leċċan, related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to leak."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for leach
See all rhymes for leach →Frequently asked questions
What does “leach” mean?
The word “leach” means to remove a soluble substance from something by letting liquid filter through it, or (of a substance) to be removed this way. In plain terms, to seep out of something, or draw a substance out by percolation.
How do you pronounce “leach”?
“Leach” is pronounced leech (/liːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “leach” in a sentence?
Here is “leach” used in a sentence: “Heavy rain can leach nutrients out of the soil.”
What part of speech is “leach”?
“Leach” is a verb.
Where does the word “leach” come from?
The word “leach” comes from Old English. From Old English leċċan, related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to leak.".
Is “leach” a common word?
“Leach” is an uncommon word in modern English.
