filter

²filter

verb

fil·teredfil·ter·ing\-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FILTER

transitive verb

1

: to subject to the action of a filter

2

: to remove by means of a filter

intransitive verb

1

: to pass or move through or as if through a filter

2

: to come or go in small units over a period of time <people began filtering in>

Examples of FILTER

1. They've begun filtering their water to remove impurities.
2. a device that filters impurities from water
3. sunglasses that filter ultraviolet light
4. Sunlight filtered through the leaves.
5. His ideas have filtered down to his children.
6. The crowd filtered into the arena.
7. Early election returns have begun to filter in.

First Known Use of FILTER

1576

Related to FILTER

Synonyms: strain, screen

Related Words: leach, percolate

Near Antonyms: cloud, dull, muddy; contaminate, dirty, soil; defile, pollute, taint; begrime, besmirch, foul, sully

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