distillation

/ˌdɪstəˈleɪʃən/

Other forms: distillations

When you heat water into steam that then is converted back into water, you are putting it through a process of distillation: purification by boiling and condensing vapors.

Distillation is a process of purification. Air and water are distilled to make them cleaner. Crude oil is distilled so that it can be used for various commercial purposes. Distillation involves a process of first heating to create vapor and then cooling to convert that vapor back to liquid form. Distillation is also the simplification of an argument to its most clear state. The distillation of an argument involves boiling it down so it's easy to understand.

Definitions of distillation

1. noun

   the process of purifying a liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors
   synonyms: distillment

   type of:

   action, activity, natural action, natural process

   a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
2. noun

   a purified liquid produced by condensation from a vapor during distilling; the product of distilling
   synonyms: distillate

   type of:

   liquid

   a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure
3. noun

   the purest and most concentrated essence of something
   synonyms: quintessence

   type of:

   center, centre, core, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, pith, substance, sum

   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience