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filter

fil·ter

filter

 
 
pronunciation:
fIl tr
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a piece of paper or other porous material, such as charcoal, used to remove solids or other impurities from fluids or gases that pass through it.
similar words:
leach, screen, strainer
definition 2: a device for controlling or modifying the intensity or character of light or sound.
definition 3: an apparatus that consists of or holds a filter.
synonyms:
screen, sieve, strainer
similar words:
colander, sifter
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: filters, filtering, filtered
definition 1: to remove impurities from (something) by, or as if by, using a filter.
synonyms:
clarify, filtrate, purify, strain
similar words:
cleanse, clear, percolate, refine
definition 2: to separate out by the use of a filter.
synonyms:
filtrate, strain
similar words:
leach
definition 3: to serve as a filter for.
Charcoal filters smoke.
similar words:
clarify, filtrate, purify, strain
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to go through or as if through a filter.
Sunshine filtered through the fog.
synonyms:
filtrate, percolate, strain
similar words:
dribble, leak, ooze, seep, trickle
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derivation: filterer (n.)
Word History
Filter is from a Latin word that means "felt," a fabric once used to filter liquids.
Word Explorer
See
  chemistry, digestion, excrete, film, photography, tool