elutriate

[ih-loo-tree-eyt]

verb (used with object)

elutriated, elutriating 

1. to purify by washing and straining or decanting.

2. to separate the light and heavy particles of by washing.

elutriate

/ ɪˈluːtrɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to purify or separate (a substance or mixture) by washing and straining or decanting

Other Word Forms

• elutriator noun
• elutriation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elutriate¹

1725–35; < Latin ēlutriāt ( us ) (past participle of ēlutriāre ) washed out, equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + lutri- wash + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of elutriate¹

C18: from Latin ēlūtriāre to wash out, from ēluere, from ē- out + lavere to wash

Example Sentences

Elutriate, e-lū′tri-āt, v.t. to separate by means of water the finer particles of earth and pigments from the heavier portions.—ns.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bathe 
• brush 
• cleanse 
• clear up 
• disinfect 
• dredge 
• dust 
• mop 
• pick 
• pick up 
• rinse 
• scrape 
• scrub 
• soak 
• spruce up 
• sweep 
• vacuum 
• wash 
• wipe