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 idea that tap water is depleted of essential minerals is not true, as these nutrients are too small to be excluded by the filtration process. —Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025

The animals' digging aerates the soil, promotes water filtration and helps seedlings germinate, which in turn benefits other species. —Erin Clack, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025

Large commercial buildings, such as shopping malls with effective air filtration, are another option. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

These also have different types of filtration cartridges in specific shapes for the brand’s fountains, which require you to buy and change out filters, usually monthly or more often. —Molly Higgins, WIRED, 13 Jan. 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

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