irrigation

[ ir-i-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops.
2. Medicine/Medical. the flushing or washing out of anything with water or other liquid.
3. the state of being irrigated.

irrigation

1. Artificial provision of water to sustain growing plants.

Notes

Irrigation accounts for the greatest part of water usage in the western United States.

Other Words From

• irri·gation·al adjective
• nonir·ri·gation noun
• over·irri·gation noun
• preir·ri·gation noun
• preir·ri·gation·al adjective
• proir·ri·gation adjective
• reir·ri·gation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of irrigation¹

First recorded in 1605–15, irrigation is from the Latin word irrigātiōn- (stem of irrigātiō ). See irrigate, -ion

Example Sentences

L.A. has been recycling wastewater for decades but has previously used the treated water for outdoor irrigation in areas such as golf courses and parks.

From Los Angeles Times

He bucked his party on water conservation issues, opposing Democratic-led efforts to curtail the amount of state and federal water flowing to San Joaquin Valley irrigation districts.

From Los Angeles Times

Agricultural irrigation and power plant operations could also be significantly impeded, and if past mussel infestations are any indication, golden mussels could also severely affect boating and recreation by encrusting docks, engines and steering equipment.

From Los Angeles Times

Once established, the plants shouldn’t need much water, but the crossing will have an irrigation system installed that can be activated to wet down the crossing in the event of a wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

In September, Trump suggested that he might make disaster aid contingent on political support if he returns to office, promising to withhold wildfire support from California unless state officials give more irrigation water to Central Valley farmers.

From Salon