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

That’s why many families are starting to look for filtration systems that go beyond taste and target something deeper: trust. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 3 July 2025

In addition to trees' filtration of air pollutants, local parks also help mitigate many millions of gallons of stormwater, a pertinent benefit in the wake of this month's widespread and historic flooding. —Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025

Replace your shower head's filter screen once per year for optimal filtration (which will help decrease buildup residue). —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 July 2025

South Elgin’s website has information on how to mitigate possible contamination by using filtration products and systems, Pierce said. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 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