Noun Phrase
/wɔːtə(r)-rɪˈteɪnɪŋ kæpəˈsɪti/
The term "water-retaining capacity" refers to the ability of a material or substance (such as soil, plant, or building material) to hold water. It is commonly used in fields like agriculture, environmental science, and hydrology. The frequency of use is moderate and it tends to be more prevalent in written contexts, especially in scientific literature, reports, and discussions focused on irrigation, water management, and sustainability.
The water-retaining capacity of this soil is crucial for the growth of crops in arid regions.
Translation: La capacidad de retención de agua de este suelo es crucial para el crecimiento de cultivos en regiones áridas.
Improving the water-retaining capacity of the landscape can help mitigate flooding.
Translation: Mejorar la capacidad de retención de agua del paisaje puede ayudar a mitigar las inundaciones.
Researchers are studying materials with high water-retaining capacity for use in sustainable construction.
Translation: Los investigadores están estudiando materiales con alta capacidad de retención de agua para su uso en construcción sostenible.
While "water-retaining capacity" itself is not a common idiomatic expression, the concept often appears in phrases related to sustainability, agriculture, and environmental management. Here are some related idiomatic expressions:
Make every drop count.
Understanding the water-retaining capacity can help farmers make every drop count in their irrigation practices.
Translation: Comprender la capacidad de retención de agua puede ayudar a los agricultores a aprovechar cada gota en sus prácticas de riego.
Belly full of water.
Plants with high water-retaining capacity can keep a belly full of water even during droughts.
Translation: Las plantas con alta capacidad de retención de agua pueden mantener un "estómago" lleno de agua incluso durante sequías.
Drought-resistant techniques.
Utilizing soil with excellent water-retaining capacity is one of the drought-resistant techniques farmers employ.
Translation: Utilizar suelo con excelente capacidad de retención de agua es una de las técnicas resistentes a la sequía que emplean los agricultores.
Save water for a rainy day.
Improving the water-retaining capacity of the ground can help save water for a rainy day.
Translation: Mejorar la capacidad de retención de agua del suelo puede ayudar a ahorrar agua para el día de la lluvia.
The term "water-retaining" combines "water," derived from Old English "wæter," meaning liquid that falls as rain or snow, and "retaining," which comes from the Latin "retinere," meaning to hold back or keep. The word "capacity" derives from the Latin "capacitās," denoting the ability or power to hold.