aerate

[ air-eyt, ey-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, aer·at·ed, aer·at·ing.

1. to expose to the action or effect of air or to cause air to circulate through:

   to aerate milk in order to remove odors.

2. to change or treat with air or a gas, especially with carbon dioxide.
3. Physiology. to expose (a medium or tissue) to air as in the oxygenation of the blood in respiration.

aerate

/ ˈɛəreɪt /

verb

1. to charge (a liquid) with a gas, esp carbon dioxide, as in the manufacture of effervescent drink
2. to expose to the action or circulation of the air, so as to purify

aerate

/ âr′āt /

1. To add a gas, such as carbon dioxide, to a liquid.
2. To supply with oxygen. Blood is aerated in the alveoli of the lungs.
3. To supply with air or expose to the circulation of air.

Derived Forms

• ˈaerator, noun
• aerˈation, noun

Other Words From

• aer·ation noun
• non·aerat·ed adjective
• non·aerat·ing adjective
• sub·aerate verb (used with object) subaerated subaerating
• subaer·ation noun
• un·aerat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerate¹

1785–95; < Latin āer- aer- + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Equipment installed at various points along contaminated creeks to aerate the water ended up releasing chemicals into the air.

From Salon

A keystone species, the bears are known to till and aerate soil as they search for potato-like roots like Alpine sweetvetch, munch on berries, and later deposit the seeds through their scat.

From Seattle Times

A keystone species, bears are known to till and aerate soil as they search for potato-like roots like Alpine sweetvetch, munch on berries, and later deposit the seeds through their scat.

From Seattle Times

Though an invasive species of quickly reproducing earthworm called the Asian jumping worm has invaded the state in recent years, the Nebraska locale by this name was not giving a nod to the array of worms that aerate the ground.

From National Geographic

One brand, Smartwhip, used legitimately to aerate cream and sauces in restaurants, is being sold surreptitiously to addicts in corner shops.

From BBC

Related Words

• oxygenate