¹filter

noun fil·ter \ˈfil-tər\

: a device that is used to remove something unwanted from a liquid or gas that passes through it

: a device that prevents some kinds of light, sound, electronic noises, etc., from passing through

computers : software that prevents someone from looking at or receiving particular kinds of material through the Internet

Full Definition of FILTER

a : a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension

b : an apparatus containing a filter medium

a : a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound)

b : a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material —called also color filter

: something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something) <his work is too often viewed through the filter of race — Brent Staples>

: software for sorting or blocking access to certain online material

See filter defined for English-language learners

See filter defined for kids

Origin of FILTER

Middle English filtre, from Medieval Latin filtrum piece of felt used as a filter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German filz felt — more at felt

First Known Use: 1563

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Rhymes with FILTER

jilter, kilter, philter, quilter, tilter

²filter

verb

: to pass (something, such as a gas or liquid) through a filter to remove something unwanted

: to remove (something unwanted) by using a filter

: to move through or into something in small amounts or in a gradual way

fil·teredfil·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Full Definition of FILTER

transitive verb

: to subject to the action of a filter

: to remove by means of a filter

intransitive verb

: to pass or move through or as if through a filter

: to come or go in small units over a period of time <people began filtering in>

See filter defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of FILTER

1576

Related to FILTER

Synonyms: strain, screen

FILTERED Defined for Kids

¹filter

noun fil·ter \ˈfil-tər\

Definition of FILTER for Kids

: a device or a mass of material (as sand or paper) with tiny openings through which a gas or liquid is passed to remove something <The filter removes dust from the air.>

: a transparent material that absorbs light of some colors and is used for changing light (as in photography)