hydrate
Meaning
To cause something to absorb water or become combined with water.
A compound, typically a crystalline one, in which water molecules are chemically bound to another compound or an element.
Structure
Usage
It's important to hydrate well before a long run.
Copper sulfate pentahydrate is a bright blue crystalline solid.
This moisturizer is designed to hydrate the skin deeply.
Etymology
The word 'hydrate' is a modern scientific term constructed from classical elements. Its core, 'hydr-', descends from the Proto-Indo-European root wed- (water, wet), which gave rise to Greek 'hydōr'. The suffix '-ate' comes from Latin '-atus', a participial ending used to form verbs. The literal construction 'to water' or 'to act with water' provides a perfectly logical basis for its modern chemical and physiological meanings, describing the process of combining with water or the resulting compound. This etymological transparency makes it a foundational term in scientific vocabulary, spawning related words like 'dehydrate' and 'carbohydrate'.
Analysis
'hydr' originates from Greek 'hydōr' (water). 'ate' is a suffix of Latin origin used to form verbs meaning 'to act upon' or 'to become'.