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

This seems to be a helpful distillation of what those who consider these matters probably suspected. —Roger Trapp, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

According to the brand, the Wagyu was wrapped in twine and suspended in the clay pots to cook for 14 hours during the first part of the distillation process. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024

After talking to pollsters for the last year, here’s my best distillation of tips for reading the polls. —Christian Paz, Vox, 10 Sep. 2024

One of the purest distillations of Usher’s talents. —Dylan Green, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2024

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