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

Their contractor installed a collection system on their metal roof, a 26,000-gallon underground cistern in the yard, and treatment modes including filtration, ultraviolet light and reverse osmosis. —Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Consider the visual weight of your furnishings and the size and light filtration of your space when selecting your furniture layout and needs. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

High temperatures can exacerbate asthma High temperatures and poor air filtration can exacerbate asthma, a major issue in Milwaukee, which is ranked as the 10th worst in the country for people with asthma. —Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Construction projects for advanced filtration systems and wells can take years to finish, so buying a filtration pitcher or installing a home filter can provide peace of mind in the meantime. —Austin Fast, USA Today, 24 Feb. 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