irrigation

[ir-i-gey-shuh n] /ˌɪr ɪˈgeɪ ʃən/
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.
Origin
1605-15; < Latin irrigātiōn- (stem of irrigātiō). See irrigate, -ion
Related forms
irrigational, adjective
nonirrigation, noun
overirrigation, noun
preirrigation, noun
preirrigational, adjective
proirrigation, adjective
reirrigation, noun
Examples from the web for irrigation
  • The poplar-trees watch beside the irrigation-ditches.
  • Dams, irrigation and now climate change have drastically reduced the once-mighty river.
  • You'd reduce water use and end runoff by recycling water in a closed irrigation system.
  • With the end of the drought, coupled with several major irrigation projects, the state's agricultural industry bounced back.
  • And dams allow irrigation, which can transform the land in the area, possibly leading to local climactic impacts.
  • Draining their sweat yields an endless supply of freshwater for drinking and irrigation.
  • The lakes provide irrigation, drinking water and recreation opportunities.
  • Unseen is the subsurface irrigation system, which is regulated by a high-tech on-site weather station.
  • Water long used for irrigation is being diverted to cities and towns.
  • Cheap railroad fares, the demand for harvest labor on railways and irrigation works, all tend to stimulate this movement.
Word Origin and History for irrigation
n.

"a supplying of water to land," 1610s, from Latin irrigationem (nominative irrigatio) "a watering," noun of action from past participle stem of irrigare (see irrigate).

irrigation in Culture

irrigation definition


Artificial provision of water to sustain growing plants.

Note: Irrigation accounts for the greatest part of water usage in the western United States.
irrigation in the Bible

As streams were few in Palestine, water was generally stored up in winter in reservoirs, and distributed through gardens in numerous rills, which could easily be turned or diverted by the foot (Deut. 11:10). For purposes of irrigation, water was raised from streams or pools by water-wheels, or by a shaduf, commonly used on the banks of the Nile to the present day.