Distil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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distil
dis-til
Definition
extraction process
To distil is to purify a liquid by heating it until it vaporizes and then cooling the vapor to produce a liquid. This method is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, to extract essential oils, and in various chemical processes. Distillation separates components based on differences in their boiling points, allowing for the collection of more concentrated substances. It is an essential technique in both laboratory and industrial settings.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- They distil the alcohol to achieve a higher concentration.
- The essential oils can be extracted by distilling the plant material.
- Water can be distilled to remove impurities.
Translations
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Quick facts about “distil”
Distil is a 2-syllable verb (dis-til). It is pronounced /dɪˈstɪɫ/ in American English and /dɪstˈɪl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #27,296 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'distil'
The term 'distil' originates from the Latin word 'distillare,' which means 'to trickle down.' It is formed from 'dis-' meaning 'down' and 'stillare,' which means 'to drop or drip.' The practice of distillation dates back to ancient times, with early references found in works from the Egyptians and Greeks, who used it for the extraction of perfumes and medicinal substances. By the Middle Ages, distillation techniques had advanced significantly, particularly in the production of spirits. The terminology and methods continued to evolve over the centuries, leading to the modern chemical processes we see today.