Definition of filter
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension
b
: an apparatus containing a filter medium
2a
: a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound)
b
: a transparent material (such as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material
— called also color filter
3
: something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something)
his work is too often viewed through the filter of race— Brent Staples
4
: software for sorting or blocking access to certain online material
filter
verbDefinition of filter (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to pass or move through or as if through a filter
2
: to come or go in small units over a period of time
people began filtering in
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for filter
The first known use of filter was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century