filterable

[ fil-ter-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being filtered.
2. Microbiology. capable of passing through bacteria-retaining filters.

filterable

/ ˈfɪltərəbəl; ˈfɪltrəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being filtered
2. (of most viruses and certain bacteria) capable of passing through the pores of a fine filter

Derived Forms

• ˌfilteraˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• filter·a·bili·ty filter·a·ble·ness noun
• non·filter·a·ble adjective
• un·filter·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of filterable¹

First recorded in 1905–10; filter + -able

Example Sentences

The discovery of virusesIn Ruska’s day, researchers used the term “filterable infectious agents” to describe viruses.

From Nautilus

The term virus or filterable virus is likewise applied to these ultramicroscopic and filterable agents.

From Project Gutenberg

Because these agents pass through the finest bacterial filters, they are also frequently called filterable.

From Project Gutenberg

The disease so produced is not contagious, and the contagious element seems to be due to the filterable virus.

From Project Gutenberg