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

Klein acknowledges that, for Anthropic, widespread competition is to be expected and that there are legal methods of distillation. — Kate Rooney,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

After distillation, this 100-proof rhum rests for a few months before bottling. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026

The problem with the abstract expressionists’ relentless courting of the sublime was that the process of distillation produced too much bombast. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Murals, giant roadside figures, and the familiar red, white, and blue shield turn the block into a bright distillation of the Mother Road – nostalgic, playful, and designed to be understood through a windshield. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 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