Definition

To use a tool or machine to remove material from the bottom of a body of water, often to find something valuable like gold.

Example

They decided to dredge the river to search for lost treasures.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen anyone dredge for gold in the river?

No, but it sounds like an exciting adventure!

I watched a documentary where they showed people dredge for alluvial gold.

That must have been fascinating! I'd love to try it one day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A tool or machine used to collect shellfish or to dig up the bottom of rivers and harbors.

Example

The fishermen used a dredge to gather clams from the ocean floor.

Conversation

Did you see the new dredge they brought to the harbor?

Yeah, I heard it's supposed to make the waterway deeper.

I wonder how long it will take for them to finish the work with that dredge.

Definition

To bring something up from the bottom of a body of water or to clean and deepen it using a special tool. It can also mean to cover food with a powder like flour or sugar.

Example

The workers will dredge the river to remove the mud and debris.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how they dredge the river last week?

Yeah, it looked like a huge project!

I wonder what they found when they dredged the bottom.

Root Explanation

Dredge → The word 'dredge' originates from Middle English 'dreggen', which means to drag or draw out. It is related to the Old English 'drēogan', meaning to endure or to drag. The term refers to the act of dragging something up from the bottom, especially in the context of water or sediment.

Memory Tip

Imagine dragging something heavy from the bottom of a river — that's what dredging means, as it involves pulling or drawing out material.

Visually Confused Words