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

Smarter oil separation Researchers say the membrane technology can be integrated into existing refinery infrastructure as a modular filtration unit, allowing refineries to adopt the process without replacing major equipment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026

Swollen or tender nodes at the neck, armpits or groin signal that the body’s filtration sites are overloaded or actively fighting something, per Cleveland Clinic. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

There is also a lizard, four hermit crabs, a toothed frog, and a wall-size fish tank that the kids built with their father; its filtration system is based on the workings of a kidney. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Oat milk retains some of that beta-glucan, but the filtration process strains out a significant portion of heart-healthy soluble beta-glucan fiber. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 28 June 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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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