distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation

b

: a process like distillation

gradual distillation of the truth

also : an instance of such distilling

2

: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what’s way more cool about this gin is the whole oysters — shells and all — added to the botanical mix during distillation, along with seaweed, imparting a layer of salinity and minerality while still retaining the essence of a great dry martini gin. —Tony Sachs, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

But ultimately, scoring goals is the thing: there’s a reason that, as a rule, the most expensive footballers at transfer time are the goalscorers, and a perfect hat-trick is a distillation of the skills that a goalscorer should have, the representation of a top-quality all-round player. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025

The distillation process is one that’s been used in Japan for hundreds of years, pre-dating scotch makers and Kikori is one of the first whiskey brands to be created by an Asian American woman. —Paul Feinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024

Through a vacuum distillation process, the wine retains its authentic body and essence, with a touch of natural grape added to enhance its depth. —Rachel King, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Kids Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances

2

: something distilled