Filter

/ˈfɪltər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A device or substance used to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a liquid or gas.

The water filter removes chlorine and other impurities from the tap water.

A software feature that restricts the data displayed based on specified criteria.

I applied a filter to the search results to show only articles published in the last month.

A porous device for separating particles from a liquid or gas.

The coffee filter allows water to pass through while trapping the coffee grounds.

verb

To pass (a substance) through a filter in order to remove impurities.

We need to filter the water before using it for drinking.

To impose restrictions on data or information, allowing only certain items to be displayed.

You can filter your email inbox to show only unread messages.

To select or separate out items based on specific criteria.

She decided to filter her contacts by those she frequently communicates with.

Middle English, from Old French 'filtre', from Latin 'filtrum' meaning 'a thread'.

filter through

To pass or get through a screening process.

filter out

To remove something from a group or range of things.

filter by

To sort items based on certain criteria.

filtration

The process of filtering something.

defilter

To remove a filter or to make something less filtered.

unfiltered

Not filtered; containing all original elements.

To modify content to appear better than it is.

She totally filtered her Instagram pics to look flawless.

To avoid showing or expelling negative aspects or truth.

He's notorious for filtering out the bad stuff in his stories.