filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the process of filtering

2

: the process of passing through or as if through a filter

also : diffusion

Examples of filtration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our main quibbles were with the fans—fan buzz and a lack of more fan filtration are two things to contend with—but experienced PC builders will find workarounds. —Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025

As just one feature of the park’s enhancements, the new water filtration system and stormwater pipe will connect to an existing stormwater pipe in the neighborhood. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025

The vacuum is equipped with a four-stage filtration system that locks in dust, dirt, and more debris to prevent them from spewing back out of the exhaust. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

Preventing the tank from becoming a giant toilet requires near-constant cleaning from its filtration system, partly because of the unexpected arrival of the now 3-year-old Fritz. —Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin filtrātiōn-, filtrātiō, from filtrāre "to pass through a filter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at filtrate

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for filtration

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

: the act or process of filtering

Medical Definition

filtration

noun

fil·​tra·​tion fil-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the process of filtering

2

: the process of passing through or as if through a filter

also : diffusion

the kidney produces urine by filtration