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

Just as a still concentrates a large batch of weak liquid into a smaller batch of strong stuff, AI distillation condenses a big model into a smaller one that, ideally, acts like the original. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Reverse osmosis and distillation can produce suitable water, but desalination adds equipment and increases electricity demand. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

As early as the 19th century, vintners began experimenting with dealcoholized wine using a process known as vacuum distillation. — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

OpenAI accuses top Chinese lab of distilling models OpenAI on Wednesday accused Moonshot of wide-scale distillation to improve its own models, as competition intensifies between Washington and Beijing to build the most advanced tech. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing distillation

• destructive distillation

Rhymes for distillation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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