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

Redesigned by Chanel’s longtime collaborator, the architect Peter Marino, the space is a distillation of Chanel’s retail aesthetic finessed by Marino throughout the years. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 20 Nov. 2025

Well, Fräulein’s fruit actually came from California; these distillations of Maui are doubly unbelievable in the dead of winter. —The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025

Her understanding of oud came from the material itself, watching how the resin formed inside the wood over time, how each distillation varied by climate and season, and how deeply linked the scent was to place. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2025

While not remotely realistic, The Chair Company, streaming on HBO Max, is a painfully precise distillation of how nothing seems to work as designed anymore. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 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