Definition

To produce a liquid by heating a substance and collecting the vapor that forms, often used in the context of making spirits or purifying liquids.

Example

The essential oils will distill from the plant material during the process.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how the rain began to distill from the clouds this afternoon?

Yeah, it was a nice change from the heavy downpour earlier.

I love it when the rain just softly distills like that.

Me too! It makes everything feel so fresh and calm.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To purify or separate a liquid by heating it and collecting the vapor, or to extract the main ideas or essential elements from something.

Example

The scientist will distill the solution to obtain a pure sample.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried to distill your thoughts when writing a paper?

Yeah, I usually write down everything first and then distill the main ideas.

That's a smart approach! It must help you focus better.

Root Explanation

Distill → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "stilla" (from Latin, meaning drop). The word "distill" means to separate a liquid from a mixture by heating it to create vapor and then cooling it to create drops of liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of separating something into 'drops' ('stilla') — that's how distillation works, by taking apart a mixture to get pure liquid.

Visually Confused Words