Filters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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filters

[ˈfɪltərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

photography

A device or piece of equipment that is used to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance, such as air, water, or light.

Synonyms

mesh, screen, sieve, strainer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
filters

Also used to refer to tools in digital environments that control what content is displayed.

  • Email filters, photo filters
strainer

Similar to a sieve, but often specifically for kitchen use, particularly for draining liquids while retaining solids.

  • Tea strainer, pasta strainer
sieve

Refers to a tool with a mesh bottom used for separating fine particles from coarser ones, usually related to cooking, laboratory work, or construction.

  • Flour sieve, laboratory test sieve
screen

Commonly used to specify a surface that shields, contributes to privacy, or divides spaces, as well as a general term for TV or computer monitors.

  • Window screen, TV screen
mesh

Often used to describe a network of interwoven or interconnected threads or wires, generally used for separation, filtration, or reinforcement purposes.

  • Window mesh, mesh for furniture

Examples of usage

  • He attached a filter to his camera lens to reduce glare.
  • The filter in the air purifier helps to remove dust particles from the air.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A software feature or program that allows users to block or allow specific types of content on the internet.

Synonyms

blocker, censor, screen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
filters

Used when discussing devices or methods that remove unwanted substances from liquids, gases, or other materials.

  • The coffee machine has built-in filters to ensure the best taste.
  • He always uses filters when taking photos to enhance the colors.
blocker

Commonly used in sports or technology to describe someone or something that stops progress.

  • The defender was an effective blocker during the game.
  • He installed a pop-up blocker on his computer to avoid annoying ads.
screen

Can refer to a physical mesh or device that separates or blocks, or to the showing of movies or videos.

  • The windows have screens to keep out insects.
  • We need to screen the film for any inappropriate scenes before the final release.
censor

Used when referring to the suppression or prohibition of speech, communication, or other information that might be considered objectionable or harmful. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The government decided to censor the article, claiming it was defamatory.
  • Censorship of books in schools has been a heated topic of debate.

Examples of usage

  • The parental control filter blocks inappropriate websites for children.
  • The email filter automatically sorts messages into different folders based on certain criteria.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To pass (a liquid, gas, light, sound, etc.) through a device to remove impurities or unwanted elements.

Synonyms

purify, sift, strain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
filters

Used in photography or social media to describe changing or enhancing the appearance of images.

  • She used various filters to make her photo look vintage
  • Instagram offers many filters to give your pictures a unique look
strain

Often used in cooking to describe removing liquid from solids by pouring through a sieve or filter.

  • Strain the pasta after cooking
  • She strained the juice to remove the pulp
purify

Used when talking about removing contaminants to make something clean or safe, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • The company developed a new method to purify drinking water
  • Special chemicals are used to purify the air in hospitals
sift

When talking about separating fine particles from coarse ones, usually in cooking or when searching through information.

  • You need to sift the flour to avoid lumps in your cake
  • She sifted through the documents to find the necessary information

Examples of usage

  • The coffee is filtered through a fine mesh to remove any grounds.
  • She filtered the noise from the recording to improve the sound quality.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In photography, digital filters enhance images by altering color and brightness, reminiscent of old-school physical filters.
  • Social media platforms use filtering algorithms to show users content tailored to their interests and interactions, creating a customized experience.

Science

  • In chemistry, filters are crucial in separating solids from liquids during experiments, ensuring purity of results.
  • A common application is in water purification, where filters remove contaminants to make it safe for drinking.

Health

  • Masks that filter out particles are essential in protecting our health, especially during illnesses, by trapping germs.
  • Air filters improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants, which can benefit people with allergies or asthma.

Art

  • In art, filters on digital images can convey different moods and feelings, much like how a painter chooses colors to express a theme.
  • The use of filters in visual art often makes compositions visually striking and can completely change the viewer's perspective.

Origin of 'filters'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'filter' comes from the Latin 'filtrum,' meaning 'a felt,' which is a material used for straining.
  • Originally, 'filter' referred to any method of separating liquid from solids, and it has evolved to describe many separation methods.

The word 'filter' originated from the Old French word 'filtre', which came from the Medieval Latin 'filtrum', meaning 'felt'. Filters have been used throughout history in various forms to purify substances and remove impurities. The concept of digital filters emerged with the advancement of technology, allowing users to control and customize their online experiences.


See also: filter, filtering, filtrate, filtration.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,271 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.