distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdi-stə-ˈlā-shən 

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

: something distilled : distillate sense 2

Examples of distillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Theoretically, a portion of every distillation of Gorovka remains in the barrel, so each new bottling contains older and older spirit. —Don Tse, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

The typical three-week distillation used across the industry can pull in impurities and accentuate the notes’ polarizing qualities. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Missile expert Fabian Hoffman says that for a soft target such as distillation columns of Russian refineries, for example, the Flamingo’s lethal radius would be upwards of 38 meters. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025

More than just another bourbon For the Jackson Purchase team, making bourbon is about carrying on a legacy of distillation in Kentucky and supporting the local community. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Rhymes for distillation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

distillation

noun

dis·​til·​la·​tion ˌdis-tə-ˈlā-shən 

: 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 

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