Lixiviate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /lɪkˈsɪvieɪt/

Origin

From Latin lixivio, from lixivius ("made into lye"), from lix ("ashes, lye").

Full definition of lixiviate

Verb

1. To separate (a substance) into soluble and insoluble components through percolation; to leach.
• 1997, Thomas Pynchon, Mason & Dixon, the Slaves are out in the Storm, doing their Owners’ Laundry, observing and reading each occurrence of Blood, Semen, Excrement, Saliva, Urine, Sweat, Road-Mud, dead Skin, and other such Data of Biography, whose pure form they practice Daily, before all is lixiviated ’neath Heaven.

Adjective

1. Of or relating to lye or lixivium; of the quality of alkaline salts.
2. Impregnated with salts from wood ashes.