aerate
UK: ˈeəreɪt | US: ˈereɪt
vt. to expose to or mix with air or a gas
vt. to oxygenate (a liquid, such as blood or water)
vt. to make light or porous by introducing air
The word "aerate" originates from the Latin aer (air) combined with the suffix -ate, which turns nouns into verbs. It entered English in the late 18th century, reflecting scientific and agricultural practices of introducing air into substances (e.g., soil, liquids) to improve quality. The logic is straightforward: aer (air) + ate (action) = "to add air."
Farmers aerate the soil to promote root growth.
The machine aerates the water to keep fish healthy.
Aerate the wine by swirling it in the glass.
Composting requires turning the pile to aerate it.
The lungs aerate blood by exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.