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

Its roots trace back to the 16th century when Dutch traders began the process of distillation to preserve local wines for transportation. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

An object that once made music now being used to navigate a disaster: That’s a poignant distillation of the loss that shadows Season 2. —Mark Blankenship, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024

As a refresher, that term means the whiskey is at least four years old, exactly 100 proof, and the product of one distillery and one distillation season. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

Quest shared how, in Côte d’Ivoire, infusing plantain into the distillation process of rums and roasting spices into cocktails is becoming increasingly popular. —Shayna Conde, Essence, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

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