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

The City Council also directed the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to draft a rule requiring similar restaurants that were open before 2016 to install these filtration devices. —Michael Seilback, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

The mask should fit well, with a tight seal around the nose and mouth, and good filtration—such as an N94 or P100 mask if possible, or a KN95 mask otherwise. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Other features include a five-stage filtration system, large-capacity dust cup, and auto-empty station that can hold up to 75 days of dirt, dust and pet hair (before emptying). —Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

The reusable filter provides less filtration than a paper filter—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. —Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024

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

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