irrigate definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

irritable bowel syndrome

See pronunciation key

Search for "irrigate" in all of MSN Encarta

E-mail this entry

Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces

Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

irrigate

ir·ri·gate [ írri gàyt ] (past and past participle ir·ri·gat·ed, present participle ir·ri·gat·ing, 3rd person present singular ir·ri·gates)

transitive verb

Definition:

1. agriculture supply area with water: to bring a supply of water to a dry area, especially in order to help crops to grow

2. medicine wash out wound: to make water or liquid medication flow through or over a body part or wound in order to cleanse it

3. refresh something: to make something fresh

[Early 17th century. < Latin irrigat-, past participle of irrigare, literally "to water in" < rigare "to water"]

ir·ri·ga·ble [ írrigəb'l ] adjective

ir·ri·ga·tion [ ìrri gáysh'n ] noun

ir·ri·ga·tion·al [ ìrri gáyshnəl ] adjective

ir·ri·ga·tive [ írri gàytiv ] adjective

ir·ri·ga·tor noun

Also on Encarta

•	Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be discontinued. Learn more.

•	10 tips for building your English vocabulary

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Making the right college choice

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	The Princeton Review

•

Tutor.com: Live Help When You Get Stuck

Also on MSN

•	Peek into the world of parasites on Animal Planet

•	Mom's Homeroom: Learn ways to help your kid succeed in school

•	MSN Shopping: Best books for the season

•	MSN Careers: Nail that job interview

•

Today's news on MSNBC


Shopping