Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause a substance to absorb or combine with water; to add water or moisture to something.
   • To supply water or liquid to a living organism to maintain fluid balance.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become combined with water; to absorb water.

3. Noun (Chemistry):

   • A compound, typically a crystalline substance, that contains water molecules bound within its structure.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "hydrate" is used with a direct object (e.g., hydrate something/someone).
• As an intransitive verb, "hydrate" is used without a direct object (e.g., something hydrates).
• As a noun, "hydrate" is a countable term used in scientific contexts.

Examples

• Verb (Transitive):
  • Drink water to hydrate your body before exercise.
  • This lotion helps to hydrate dry skin effectively.
• Verb (Intransitive):
  • When you add water, the powder will hydrate and form a paste.
  • Certain salts hydrate easily in moist air.
• Noun:
  • Copper sulfate pentahydrate is a common blue hydrate.
  • The mineral is a hydrate, containing water molecules in its crystal lattice.

Advanced Usage

• "Hydrate" vs. "Moisturize": In skincare, "hydrate" often refers to adding water, while "moisturize" typically means preventing water loss, though they are frequently used interchangeably in casual contexts.
• Scientific Passive Construction: "The compound was hydrated by exposure to a humid atmosphere."

Variants and Related Words

• Hydration (n): The process of causing something to absorb water or the state of having absorbed water.
  • Proper hydration is essential for athletes.
• Dehydrate (v): To remove water from; to lose water.
  • The fruit was dehydrated to make raisins.
• Rehydrate (v): To add water or moisture back to something that has been dehydrated.
  • You must rehydrate the dried mushrooms before cooking.

Synonyms

• Moisten (v): To make slightly wet. (Less scientific than ).
• Water (v): To supply water to plants or animals. (A more general, common term).
• Compound (n): A substance formed from two or more elements. (A broader category that includes ).

Phrasal Verbs / Common Combinations

• Hydrate well: To drink plenty of fluids.
  • It's hot today, so remember to hydrate well.
• Hydrate with: To use a specific liquid for hydration.
  • After the marathon, the runners hydrated with an electrolyte drink.

Related Idioms / Collocations

• Stay hydrated: A common health admonition to drink enough fluids.
  • In this heat, it's important to stay hydrated.
• Hydration level: The amount of water present in something, especially in the body.
  • The doctor checked the patient's hydration level.

Noun

1. any compound that contains water of crystallization

Verb

1. cause to be hydrated; add water or moisture to
   • hydrate your skin
2. become hydrated and combine with water
3. supply water or liquid to in order to maintain a healthy balance
   • the bicyclists must be hydrated frequently