filter
FIHL-tuh
Filter (noun) means a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it. Example: “Rinse the coffee machine filter after each use to stop it clogging.”
noun
1
A device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.
"Rinse the coffee machine filter after each use to stop it clogging."
"Replace the air filter every three months."
"The water filter removes chlorine and sediment."
2
A digital effect applied to an image or a setting that screens out unwanted content.
"The spam filter caught most of the junk emails before I saw them."
"He turned on a safety filter so the tablet blocks unsuitable websites."
"She applied a warm filter to the photo before posting it."
verb
1
To pass something through a filter, or to sort and remove unwanted elements.
"You can filter the list so it only shows unread messages."
"The app lets you filter search results by price."
"Coffee grounds are filtered out before you drink the coffee."
How to use filter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that screens out unwanted material — whether from liquid, air, search results, or a photo — or the act of doing that screening.
Common pairings
air filter
water filter
filter results
Instagram filter
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Word forms
- Plural
- filters
- Third person singular
- filters
- Past tense
- filtered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rinse the coffee machine _____ after each use to stop it clogging.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for filter
See all rhymes for filter →Frequently asked questions
What does “filter” mean?
The word “filter” means a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it. In plain terms, something that screens out unwanted material — whether from liquid, air, search results, or a photo — or the act of doing that screening.
How do you pronounce “filter”?
“Filter” is pronounced FIHL-tuh (/ˈfɪltɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “filter” in a sentence?
Here is “filter” used in a sentence: “Replace the air filter every three months.”
What is the opposite of “filter”?
The opposite of “filter” — its antonyms — is ideal.
What part of speech is “filter”?
Depending on how it is used, “filter” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “filter” come from?
The word “filter” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin filtrum, related to Old French feutre ("felt"), since early filters were made from felted material.
Is “filter” a common word?
“Filter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “filter” have?
“Filter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device or material that removes unwanted particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it.
What is the difference between a "filter" and a "sieve"?
A filter removes fine, often invisible particles, substances, or signals from something passing through it, such as water or air. A sieve is a coarser tool with holes that separates larger solids from liquids or sorts by size, like draining pasta or sifting flour.
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