1. liquids that have dissolved or carried away substances from materials they have passed through, especially contaminated water from landfills or waste sites
Usage: environmental science; plural form

Examples

• The landfill’s leachates contained heavy metals and organic compounds.
• Environmental engineers monitor leachates to prevent groundwater contamination.
• Toxic leachates from the mining site threatened the local water supply.
• The treatment plant processes leachates before releasing them into the environment.
• Scientists analyzed the leachates to determine their chemical composition.
• Proper liner systems prevent leachates from escaping waste disposal areas.