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

Therapeutic Grade Premium Essential Oils (MSRP: $69.95): Each fragrance in the essential oils kit has been formulated by distillation or cold press to concentrate the healing compounds of its parent plants into a small amount of oil, which can then be used as a powerful therapeutic agent. —Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024

While the new vacuum distillation process is far better at retaining the 250 various chemical markers known as esters that create a beer’s scent, non-alc beers do not smell the same. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 May 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