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

No one thinks about the miles of underground pipes, and pumping stations and filtration operations between the tap and the source. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026

Stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism The new system combines three essential functions—filtration, enrichment, and spectroscopic detection—into a single, coordinated framework. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026

The restaurant looked into installing a new filtration system, but the cost — upwards of $100,000 — was prohibitive, Liao said. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026

An advanced filtration system and 650-square-foot coverage make this air purifier a must-have for maintaining good air quality in your home. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 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