noun
filtration
fil-TRAY-shun/fɪlˈtreɪʃn/
The process of passing something through a filter to remove unwanted material.
The paper funnel's filtration traps solid particles while clear water collects below.
Etymology
Felt was used to strain impurities from liquids, giving the filtering process its name. Filtration extends that name to the process of removing impurities through a filter.
In context
water undergoes multi-stage treatment process which includes screening to remove large debris, coagulation and fauculation to bind and remove smaller particles, sedimentation to settle out solids, filtration for finer impurities, and disinfection
More examples
- Air filtration helps reduce dust inside the house.
- Filtration separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
- The water looks clearer after filtration.
Forms
filtration
filter verb — Pass through material that traps unwanted particles.
Similar words
- straining
- Usually removes larger solids using a mesh or sieve.
- purification
- Removes impurities by various methods, not just through filters.