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

But the physical interaction mattered as much as the filtration itself. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Water Filters and Cooking Utensils Almost all water-filtration methods malfunction at below-freezing temperatures. —Kaelyn Lynch, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026

Known for their cordless convenience, portable designs, and advanced filtration, Dyson’s powerful cleaners are a favorite for good reason, and right now the popular label’s sleek handheld model is $70 off at Amazon. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026

Canister cleaners on the other hand, sometimes do have filtration bags and dust collectors that need to be cleaned out. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 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