Distill: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'distillare', which means to 'drip down' or 'trickle'.
• Historically, it was first used in the context of purifying liquids and making strong alcoholic beverages.
• The shift to using 'distill' in broader contexts, like ideas and concepts, began in the 17th century.

Science

• Distillation is a common technique in chemistry used to separate mixtures based on boiling points.
• It’s crucial in making essential oils, where steam distillation extracts fragrant compounds from plants.
• The process also plays a key role in beverage production, such as whiskey and vodka, enhancing flavors.

Culinary

• Cooking can involve distilling flavors, such as reducing sauces to concentrate their taste.
• In culinary terms, distillation is used to extract flavors from ingredients like vanilla or herbs.
• Many chefs have created distilled spirits that increase the flavor intensity of cocktails and culinary dishes.

Literature

• Writers often 'distill' their thoughts into concise ideas, making complex topics easier to understand.
• The art of distilling language can be found in poetry, where emotions are captured in just a few words.
• In storytelling, distillation refers to providing the essence of events without unnecessary details.

Technology

• The concept is applied in data science, where essential insights are distilled from vast amounts of data.
• Modern technology uses distillation processes to purify substances for pharmaceuticals.
• Software algorithms can 'distill' user feedback to identify key areas for improvement in product design.

At rank #27,978, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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