leach
UK: liːtʃ | US: liːtʃ
vt. to dissolve or wash out soluble components from a substance by percolation
vi. (of a soluble substance) to be dissolved or washed out by percolation
n. the process of leaching; a substance that leaches
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The word "leach" originates from Old English leccan, meaning "to moisten" or "to water." It is related to the Proto-Germanic lekjaną ("to drip") and shares roots with Dutch lekken ("to leak") and German lecken ("to lick"). Over time, its meaning narrowed to specifically describe the extraction of soluble matter by percolation, reflecting its connection to liquid movement.
Heavy rain can leach nutrients from the soil.
The chemicals began to leach into the groundwater.
Farmers use cover crops to prevent soil leaching.
The tea leaves leach flavor when steeped in hot water.
Over time, the dye may leach out of the fabric.