Meaning & Definition of word "Sieve"

Sieve

/sɪv/

1. A device with perforations or meshes used for separating wanted elements from unwanted material or for controlling the consistency of a mixture.
- Example: She used a sieve to strain the pasta after boiling it.
2. An instrument used to screen or separate particles based on size.
- Example: The gardener sifted soil through a fine sieve to remove clumps.

1. To separate or remove by using a sieve.
- Example: He will sieve the flour before mixing it with the sugar.
2. To examine closely or thoroughly, often to filter out unwanted details.
- Example: Investigators will sieve through the evidence to find any key information.

Middle English, from Old English 'sif' related to Old Norse 'sífr'.

sieve through:

To carefully examine or filter through information or data.

filter:

To remove unwanted materials or allows some material to pass through.

strainer:

An implement with holes that allows liquid to pass while retaining solids.

Meaning: A person who is easily fooled or misled.

Example Sentence: He's such a sieve, always falling for the latest scam.

Meaning: To leak information or secrets.

Example Sentence: Don't tell her anything; she’s a sieve!