Distillation

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪstɪˈleɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Latin distillātiō, distillātiōnem.

Full definition of distillation

Noun

1. The act of falling in drops, or the act of pouring out in drops.
2. That which falls in drops.
3. (chemistry, chemical engineering) The separation of the volatile parts of a substance from the more fixed; specifically, the operation of driving off gas or vapor from volatile liquids or solids, by heat in a retort or still, and the condensation of the products as far as possible by a cool receiver, alembic, or condenser; rectification; vaporization; condensation; as, the distillation of illuminating gas and coal, of alcohol from sour mash, or of boric acid in steam.
4. The substance extracted by distilling.
• 1599, William Shakespeare, , III. v. 104:to be stopped in, like a strong distillation, with stinking
  clothes that fretted in their own grease.