verb
aerate
AIR-ayt/ˈereɪt/
To introduce air or gas into something.
The gardener aerates the soil by making small holes through the grass.
Etymology
The air root becomes an action through -ate. Early scientific usage included mixing a substance with gases other than ordinary air; the selected meaning applies this idea to introducing air into soil, water, or other materials.
In context
You want it to sort of aerate it. You don't want it to be dense. So just toss it all together and make sure you're not compacting it.
More examples
- Gardeners aerate compacted soil to help air reach the roots.
- Whisking aerates the batter and makes it lighter.
- The fountain keeps the pond water aerated.
Forms
aerate · aerates · aerated · aerating
aeration noun — The introduction of air into something.
aerator noun — A device that introduces air into something.
Similar words
- oxygenate
- Specifically means adding oxygen rather than air or another gas.
- ventilate
- Usually circulates fresh air through an enclosed space.