fractional distillation

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noun Chemistry.

the separation of volatile components of different boiling points in a mixture by the gradual increase of temperature and the separate collection of each component.

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Origin of fractional distillation

First recorded in 1855–60

Words nearby fractional distillation

fracted, fraction, fractional, fractional crystallization, fractional currency, fractional distillation, fractionalize, fractional orbital bombardment system, fractionate, fractionating column, fractionation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use fractional distillation in a sentence

By the process of fractional distillation mineral oils of all grades can be obtained.
Aviation Engines|Victor Wilfred Pag
The first step in the operations is fractional distillation, after the manner just described for petroleum.
Marvels of Scientific Invention|Thomas W. Corbin
The process of purification is thus far one of fractional distillation combined with chemical washing.
Coal|Raphael Meldola
The undissolved hydrocarbon is similarly purified by fractional distillation, and furnishes the solid crystalline naphthalene.
Coal|Raphael Meldola

The principle of fractional distillation has already been explained sufficiently for our present purpose.
Coal|Raphael Meldola

British Dictionary definitions for fractional distillation

fractional distillation

noun

the process of separating the constituents of a liquid mixture by heating it and condensing separately the components according to their different boiling points

a distillation in which the vapour is brought into contact with a countercurrent of condensed liquid to increase the purity of the final products

Sometimes shortened to: distillation

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for fractional distillation

fractional distillation

A process by which a chemical compound is separated into components by distillation. In fractional distillation the compound is heated and, as each of its constituent components comes to a boil, its vapors are separated and cooled, so it can be removed in its pure form. Fractional distillation is used to refine petroleum. See also distillation.