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

Burks Spring Bourbon's second distillation has been released, which its partner, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, is selling Burks Spring Bourbon bottles in its gift shop. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 Aug. 2025

Many researchers turned to distillation as a way to make smaller models. —Quanta Magazine, 18 July 2025

To counter the problem, Y-Worth provides detailed instructions not just on effective distillation but even how to build distillation facilities. —Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

This refers to gin that is juniper-forward, and the botanicals used to flavor the gin during distillation—no color or flavor can be added afterwards. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 June 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