filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the process of filtering

2

: the process of passing through or as if through a filter

also : diffusion

Examples of filtration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Too much myoglobin can damage the kidneys' filtration system, while high potassium can cause a deadly heart rhythm. — News Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Low-cost air purifiers are available commercially that even include HEPA filtration. — John Alexander, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2026

Water turns that color when filtration fails, causing algae to grow. — Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Olive Park, on the lakefront at the site of the city’s water filtration plant and adjacent to Navy Pier, is named in his honor. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin filtrātiōn-, filtrātiō, from filtrāre "to pass through a filter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at filtrate

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for filtration

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

: the act or process of filtering

Medical Definition

filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the process of filtering

2

: the process of passing through or as if through a filter

also : diffusion

the kidney produces urine by filtration