distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation

b

: a process like distillation

gradual distillation of the truth

also : an instance of such distilling

2

: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pie shoved in Anthony’s face by his lover, Giuseppe, felt like a neat distillation of how crudely the series seemed to clown its characters, week after week after week. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Aug. 2025

Like the original distillery, the new Rosebank utilizes triple distillation and worm tub condensers. —Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Billy Madison was the first of these movies and its purest distillation. —Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025

The 50-seat space features warm lighting, a long marble-top bar with 21 sky-blue seats, booth seating illuminated by glass pendant fixtures and a gleaming Arnold Holstein, a copper distillation behind floor-to-ceiling glass, wherein the Duggan’s create their spirits. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Rhymes for distillation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

: a process of heating a liquid or solid until it sends off a vapor and then cooling the vapor until it becomes liquid

Medical Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a process that consists of driving gas or vapor from liquids or solids by heating and condensing to liquid products and that is used especially for purification, fractionation, or the formation of new substances

2

: something distilled