distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
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

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Mobile Suit Gundam film trilogy is a distillation of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam series. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025 She was then begged to reveal her mask distillation process, which soon became a product of its own. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 May 2025 Copper frames reference The Balvenie’s distillation process, brutalist forms nod to the distillery’s architecture, and mist, light and sound call the slow, transformative maturation of The Balvenie Fifty Collection. Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Brighter Days Ahead is also easily the strongest distillation of Grande’s creative pysche that she’s offered so far; her beloved horror elements are on full display, and the film’s throughlines help emphasize the message of Eternal Sunshine and flaunt her dramatic acting skills. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distillation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of distillation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Distillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distillation. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce distillation (audio)
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

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