C1nounformalenvironmentscience
US/diːˌsæl.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
UK/diːˌsæl.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
the process of removing salt from sea water so that people can drink it or use it on crops
In context
Desalination provides most of the drinking water in some dry Gulf countries.
Critics argue that desalination uses too much energy to be a long-term solution.
The city plans to build a desalination plant to cope with repeated droughts.
Words that go with desalination
noun + noun
- desalination plantThe desalination plant supplies water to half the city.
- desalination technologyNew desalination technology is getting cheaper every year.
- desalination projectThe government funded a large desalination project.
- seawater desalinationSeawater desalination costs more than using river water.
verb + preposition
- rely on desalinationSeveral island nations rely on desalination for fresh water.
noun + preposition
- cost of desalinationThe cost of desalination has fallen over the past decade.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a desalination waterCorrect: desalinated water