How Do You Spell LEECH?

Pronunciation: [lˈiːt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "leech" is spelled as /liːtʃ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a noun that refers to a blood-sucking worm-like creature, or a person who always takes advantage of others. The word's spelling follows the English language's pronunciation patterns, where the "ee" vowel sound is represented by the letter "e." Meanwhile, the "ch" sound is represented by the letter combination "ch." The word "leech" is also commonly used as a verb, meaning to cling or stick to something.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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LEECH Meaning and Definition

  1. A leech is a bloodsucking worm-like creature belonging to the subclass Hirudinea. It is characterized by a segmented body, usually flattened and equipped with a sucker at both ends. Leeches are predominantly found in freshwater habitats, but some species can also be found in marine and terrestrial environments.

    The term "leech" is also used metaphorically to describe a person who attaches oneself to others, typically for personal gain. This figurative definition reflects the behavior of leeches in nature, as they attach themselves to the bodies of animals to feed on their blood. Similarly, a human leech seeks to exploit others emotionally, financially, or socially, draining them of their resources or energy.

    In another context, "leech" can refer to a medicinal tool that was historically used to remove "bad blood" from the body. Medical leeches are still employed today in certain medical procedures, particularly for promoting blood circulation or relieving congestion. These leeches are carefully applied to specific areas of the body, where they attach and draw blood, consequently improving blood flow and reducing swelling.

    Overall, whether in the biological or metaphorical sense, the term "leech" conveys the notion of a parasitic organism or person that latches onto others and feeds off their resources, whether it be blood, wealth, attention, or opportunities.

  2. • Formerly the name of a physician; an aquatic worm of several species, one of which is employed to suck blood from diseased parts; the border or edge of a sail.
    • To draw blood by leeches.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LEECH

Etymology of LEECH

The word "leech" has an Old English origin, derived from the Old English word "lǣce" or "lǣċe". This Old English term referred to a physician or healer. In turn, "lǣce" is believed to have stemmed from the Proto-Germanic word "lēkijaną", which meant "to heal" or "to treat". This etymology suggests that the term originally referred to a person who administered medical treatment, rather than the blood-sucking worm known as a leech in modern English. Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to include the medicinal use of leeches, leading to the association of the term with the worm itself.

Idioms with the word LEECH

  • like a leech The idiom "like a leech" refers to someone who attaches themselves to others, particularly in a parasitic manner, in order to exploit or benefit from them excessively. It implies someone who continuously relies on others for personal gain or advantage without giving anything in return.

Similar spelling words for LEECH

Plural form of LEECH is LEECHES

Conjugate verb Leech

CONDITIONAL

I would leech
you would leech
he/she/it would leech
we would leech
they would leech

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be leeching
you would be leeching
he/she/it would be leeching
we would be leeching
they would be leeching

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have leech
you would have leech
he/she/it would have leech
we would have leech
they would have leech

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been leeching
you would have been leeching
he/she/it would have been leeching
we would have been leeching
they would have been leeching

FUTURE

I will leech
you will leech
he/she/it will leech
we will leech
they will leech

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be leeching
you will be leeching
he/she/it will be leeching
we will be leeching
they will be leeching

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have leeched
you will have leeched
he/she/it will have leeched
we will have leeched
they will have leeched

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been leeching
you will have been leeching
he/she/it will have been leeching
we will have been leeching
they will have been leeching

IMPERATIVE

you leech
we let´s leech

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to leech

PAST

I leeched
you leeched
he/she/it leeched
we leeched
they leeched

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was leeching
you were leeching
he/she/it was leeching
we were leeching
they were leeching

PAST PARTICIPLE

leeched

PAST PERFECT

I had leeched
you had leeched
he/she/it had leeched
we had leeched
they had leeched

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been leeching
you had been leeching
he/she/it had been leeching
we had been leeching
they had been leeching

PRESENT

I leech
you leech
he/she/it leeches
we leech
they leech

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am leeching
you are leeching
he/she/it is leeching
we are leeching
they are leeching

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

leeching

PRESENT PERFECT

I have leeched
you have leeched
he/she/it has leeched
we have leeched
they have leeched

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been leeching
you have been leeching
he/she/it has been leeching
we have been leeching
they have been leeching

Infographic

Correct spelling for leech
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