Distill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
distill
[dษชหstษชl ]
Definition
extract essence
To distill means to purify a liquid by heating it to create vapor and then cooling that vapor to form a liquid again. This process can be used to separate and concentrate a substance, usually in the context of producing spirits or essential oils. Additionally, distillation can refer to extracting the most important or concentrated ideas from a complex body of information, often seen in academic or creative contexts. It is a vital technique in both chemistry and culinary arts.
Synonyms
clarify, concentrate, extract, purify, refine.
Examples of usage
- They decided to distill the lavender flowers to make essential oil.
- The scientist will distill the impurities from the solution.
- He managed to distill the key points of the presentation into one slide.
- The company distills its brand identity into a few core values.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Distillation is a common technique in chemistry used to separate mixtures based on boiling points.
- Itโs 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.
Origin of 'distill'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'distill' comes from the Latin 'destillare', which means 'to trickle down.' It was originally used in the context of distillation processes in alchemy and early chemistry, where liquids were heated and cooled to purify them. The term evolved through various languages before solidifying in Middle English as 'distillen.' Over time, the meaning expanded beyond the literal distillation of liquids to include the metaphorical extraction of essence or fundamental ideas from complex information. This duality of meaning highlights both the scientific process and the intellectual endeavor of distillation in various fields. Today, the term is widely used in industries such as food production, chemistry, and education, signifying its broad applicability.