distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
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

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for distillation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of distillation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Distillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distillation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

distillation

noun
dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce distillation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce distillation (audio)
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

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