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

McKee invented a storm drain filtration device to work within the water infrastructure while also tracking flow rates, contaminants and maintenance cycles. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

Public health officials continue to advise at-risk populations in major cities to closely monitor advisories, limit outdoor activities during high-pollution periods, and use indoor air filtration. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

The scale goes from 1 to 20; the higher the number, the more efficient its filtration. —Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2025

For shower filters, the standard for chlorine filtration is NSF/ANSI standard 177. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 16 May 2025

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