HealthAugust 18, 2026
leach
LEECH
Definition
To dissolve and be washed away from soil, rock, or other materials by the action of percolating water.
Etymology
Originates from the Old English word 'leccan', meaning to moisten or water. It evolved to describe the process of a liquid draining through a substance, effectively carrying dissolved minerals with it.
In the news
In this article, the term explains how heavy metals naturally present in the environment can move into groundwater, potentially causing health issues for communities.
Aboriginal children helping tooth fairy on a mission
Read the full article ↗UWA