First Known Use: 1563
Dictionary
1filter
noun fil·ter \ˈfil-tər\
: a device that is used to remove something unwanted from a liquid or gas that passes through it
: a device that prevents some kinds of light, sound, electronic noises, etc., from passing through
computers : software that prevents someone from looking at or receiving particular kinds of material through the Internet
Full Definition of FILTER
1
a : a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension b : an apparatus containing a filter medium
2
a : a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound) b : a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material —called also color filter
3
: something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something) <his work is too often viewed through the filter of race — Brent Staples>
4
: software for sorting or blocking access to certain online material
See filter defined for English-language learners
See filter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FILTER
Middle English filtre, from Medieval Latin filtrum piece of felt used as a filter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German filz felt — more at felt
Other Chemical Engineering Terms
2filter
verb
: to pass (something, such as a gas or liquid) through a filter to remove something unwanted
: to remove (something unwanted) by using a filter
: to move through or into something in small amounts or in a gradual way
fil·teredfil·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FILTER
transitive verb
1
: to subject to the action of a filter
2
: to remove by means of a filter
intransitive verb
1
: to pass or move through or as if through a filter
2
: to come or go in small units over a period of time <people began filtering in>
See filter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FILTER
1576
FILTERED Defined for Kids
1filter
noun fil·ter \ˈfil-tər\
Definition of FILTER for Kids
1
: a device or a mass of material (as sand or paper) with tiny openings through which a gas or liquid is passed to remove something <The filter removes dust from the air.>
2
: a transparent material that absorbs light of some colors and is used for changing light (as in photography)
2filter
verb
fil·teredfil·ter·ing
Definition of FILTER for Kids
1
: to pass through a filter <filter water>
2
: to remove by means of a filter <Sand helps filter impurities from water.>
Learn More About FILTER
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up filter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).