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

Investing in an air purifier or whole-home filtration system can dramatically reduce dust and keep your vents looking clean for longer. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025

Made specifically for animal hair and other pet messes, this Dyson is easy to move around, has a brush made to detangle hair, and whole-machine filtration. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

The bank upgraded the air filtration company to an overweight rating from neutral. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

The project added a new filtration system and replaced the pool’s original dirt-and-concrete basin, which frequently leaked and had long struggled with water quality problems. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 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