irrigate
UK: ˈɪr.ɪ.ɡeɪt | US: ˈɪr.ə.ɡeɪt
vt. to supply land or crops with water by artificial means (e.g., channels, pipes)
vt. (medical) to flush a wound or body part with liquid
The word "irrigate" traces back to Latin irrigare ("to water, flood"), combining in- (into) + rigare (to moisten or wet). The root rigare likely stems from Proto-Indo-European h₃reǵ- (to moisten), shared with words like "rain." The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. Historically, the term evolved from agricultural contexts (directing water into fields) to medical use (flushing tissues).
Farmers irrigate crops during dry seasons to ensure growth.
The doctor irrigated the wound to prevent infection.
Ancient civilizations built canals to irrigate arid lands.
Modern sprinkler systems automate irrigation efficiently.
The surgeon irrigated the surgical site with saline solution.