distill

[ dih-stil ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·tilled, dis·til·ling.

1. to subject to a process of vaporization and subsequent condensation, as for purification or concentration.
2. to extract the volatile components of by distillation; transform by distillation.
3. to concentrate, purify, or obtain by or as by distillation:

   to distill whiskey from mash.

4. to remove by distillation (usually followed by off or out ):

   to distill out impurities.

5. to extract the essential elements of; refine; abstract:

   She managed to distill her ideas into one succinct article.

6. to let fall in drops; give forth in or as in drops:

   The cool of the night distills the dew.

verb (used without object)

, dis·tilled, dis·til·ling.

1. to undergo or perform distillation.
2. to become vaporized and then condensed in distillation.
3. to drop, pass, or condense as a distillate.
4. to fall in drops; trickle; exude.

Other Words From

• dis·tilla·ble adjective
• nondis·tilla·ble adjective
• redis·till verb (used with object)
• redis·tilla·ble adjective
• redis·tilla·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distill¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English distillen (from Anglo-French distiller ), from Latin distillāre, variant of dēstillāre, equivalent to dē- de- + stillāre to drip

Example Sentences

In 1951, Stanley Kubrick made a short documentary called “Day of the Fight,” which virtuosically distilled the process leading to the middleweight boxer Walter Cartier’s victory in a Newark bout.

From New York Times

Agassi's skill, he said, was distilling complex concepts into precise information and reminding him how good he is.

From BBC

“J. Gonzo was able to distill from Robbie Reyes’ Ghost Rider and reconstruct it in a single cover image.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers interviewed 34 people over Zoom and distilled their responses into three key findings.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think in order to successfully run a brick and mortar space anymore, you really have to distill down to what your identity is,” said Irvington Vinyl & Books owner Elysia Smith.

From Salon

Related Words

• condense
• extract
• infuse
• refine