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 because constructing the facility, with its complex physical infrastructure like cleanrooms and high-end air filtration and chemical handling systems, takes a lot of time to build in the first place. —New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026

Surface science is fundamental to everything from catalytic converters to computer chips to water filtration. —Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026

For example, the market demand for purified chitin is small right now, as it is used in niche applications, such as wound dressings and water filtration. —J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026

With a lightweight sleeping pad and backpack, plus a modular duffel box and water filtration kit, my adventures are about to get a lot more ultralight—and ultra-organized. —Amelia Arvesen, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026

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