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 home is outfitted with a hospital-grade filtration system that cycles the air every 15 minutes. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

Stopping ocean pollution The team’s innovation is based on a three-stage filtration system built from textile composite materials. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026

Make sure to keep your air conditioning vents clear and in good working order, too, and invest in an air filtration system or purifier with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Apr. 2026

The apartment has also been updated with new windows, modern HVAC with humidification, upgraded insulation, and integrated water filtration systems. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 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