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filter

Definition

  • noun: a device that is used to remove something unwanted from a liquid or gas that passes through it
  • noun: a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension
  • verb: to pass (something, such as a gas or liquid) through a filter to remove something unwanted
  • verb: to subject to the action of a filter
  • often + 'out'
  • synonyms: strainer, percolate, filter out

Examples

  • The purpose of the first interview is to 'filter out' people who are not good candidates for the job.

  • a spam 'filter' [=a program that keeps you from seeing spam or unwanted e-mail]

  • They've begun 'filtering' their water to remove impurities.

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