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

Rabbit Hole's tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery's production facilities and dives into the distillation process, the art of blending and the rich heritage of bourbon-making, according to a news release. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Oct. 2025

That's, that is a great distillation. —Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2025

But Swift’s comment is also a distillation of her business philosophy, which played out in spectacular fashion at movie theaters over the weekend. —Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025

To address this continuously, the XENON team built a cryogenic distillation system designed to strip radon from the liquid xenon. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025

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