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

Enshrining words in sacred objects such as the Torah or giving them visual presence through Quranic calligraphy, Jews and Muslims give language the heft of a stone statue that can hold the breath of amalgamation and distillation with the grace of Venus or Vishnu. —Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

That is the perfect distillation of the franchise right there, for a character who craved normalcy and companionship and an actor whose role as a dad helped shape these films. —Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024

The distillery has a unique distillation process in which the whisky is distilled 2.81 times, which requires a bit of math and mental gymnastics to understand. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024

Its massive fuel storage tanks, distillation towers and sprawling pipeline network loom over Carson and Wilmington and are a long-standing source of community concern. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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