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

Cask investing involves buying an oak barrel filled with Scotch — either shortly after the spirit's distillation or having already aged — and allowing its contents to mature over a period of 10 to 20 years, before selling it on. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 May 2026

But the exhibition that Baselitz wanted to be his last is more a distillation of his career than another controversial show. —George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026

Standard water filters do not remove nitrates; effective treatment requires systems like reverse osmosis or distillation. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 5 May 2026

The distillation process takes roughly an hour. —Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Rhymes for distillation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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