Leach Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of LEACH

technical

1

[+ object]

:

to remove (a chemical, a metal, etc.) from a substance by the action of a liquid passing through the substance

• Even a small amount of rain can leach the toxic material from the soil.

:

to release (a chemical, a metal, etc.) when a liquid passes through

• Certain kinds of treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil.

2

[no object]

of a chemical, a metal, etc.

:

to be removed from a substance by a liquid passing through the substance

• The chemical eventually leaches away from the soil.