leach 1
— leachable , adj. — leachability , n. — leacher , n.
/leech/ , v.t.
1. to dissolve out soluble constituents from (ashes, soil, etc.) by percolation.
2. to cause (water or other liquid) to percolate through something.
v.i.
3. (of ashes, soil, etc.) to undergo the action of percolating water.
4. to percolate, as water.
n.
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.
[ 1425-75; late ME leche leachate, infusion, prob. OE * laec ( e ), * lec ( e ), akin to leccan to wet, moisten, causative of LEAK ]
leach 2
/leech/ , n. Naut.
leech 3 .