irrigate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb supply with water, as with channels or ditches or streams
  2. verb supply with a constant flow or sprinkling of some liquid, for the purpose of cooling, cleansing, or disinfecting

Etymology

First attested in 1615; borrowed from Latin irrigātus, perfect passive participle of irrigō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). See also Middle English irrigat(e) (“watered, irrigated”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

water

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