hydrate

[hahy-dreyt]

noun

1. any of a class of compounds containing chemically combined water. In the case of some hydrates, as washing soda, Na 2 CO 3 ⋅10H 2 O, the water is loosely held and is easily lost on heating; in others, as sulfuric acid, SO 3 ⋅H 2 O, or H 2 SO 4 , it is strongly held as water of constitution.

verb (used with or without object)

hydrated, hydrating 

1. to combine chemically with water.

hydrate

/ ˈhaɪdreɪt /

noun

1. a chemical compound containing water that is chemically combined with a substance and can usually be expelled without changing the constitution of the substance

2. a chemical compound that can dissociate reversibly into water and another compound. For example sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) dissociates into sulphur trioxide (SO 3 ) and water (H 2 O)

3. (not in technical usage) a chemical compound, such as a carbohydrate, that contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio two to one

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo treatment or impregnation with water

hydrate

1. A compound produced by combining a substance chemically with water. Many minerals and crystalline substances are hydrates.

1. To combine a compound with water, especially to form a hydrate.

2. To supply water to a person in order to restore or maintain a balance of fluids.

Other Word Forms

• hydration noun
• hydrator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrate¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; hydr- ¹ + -ate ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrate¹

C19: from _hydro- + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

For all the warnings, lectures and advice given to high school football players before their first game of the season to hydrate so they can avoid cramping, it still happens.

From Los Angeles Times

Stay cool, hydrated, and follow heat safety tips!

From Los Angeles Times

“Consider reassessing outdoor plans for that time, stay hydrated, and be careful with anything that can spark a fire.”

From Los Angeles Times

For those planning to be outside in the warm weekend weather, Celyn-Mai Clement, 23, from St John Ambulance Cymru, is advising people to keep hydrated and wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid eye damage.

From BBC

"He was literally slurping unclean pond water to stay hydrated," he said.

From BBC