DISTILLABLE Meaning and
Definition
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Distillable is an adjective that refers to the quality or characteristic of being able to be distilled. Distillation is a process commonly used in chemistry and industry to separate components of a mixture based on their different boiling points. Therefore, when something is described as distillable, it means that it has the potential to undergo this particular method of purification.
In a scientific context, distillable often pertains to liquids or substances that can be evaporated and condensed to obtain a purer form or isolate particular components. For example, volatile solvents, such as ethanol or acetone, are distillable as they can be heated to their boiling points and then condensed to obtain a more concentrated solution or to extract desirable chemicals.
Outside the realms of chemistry, the term distillable can be figuratively applied to abstract concepts. For instance, one might say that wisdom or wisdom-based insights are distillable from a vast array of knowledge or life experiences, suggesting that they can be extracted or derived by focusing on the essential aspects. Similarly, a complex narrative or plotline in a book or movie might be distilled into a concise synopsis, capturing the core elements of the story.
In summary, distillable describes substances or concepts that can undergo the process of distillation to separate or extract specific components, whether in the realm of chemistry or metaphorically in other contexts.
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Capable of being distilled.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DISTILLABLE
Etymology of DISTILLABLE
The word "distillable" is derived from the verb "distill", which itself comes from the Latin word "distillare". In Latin, "distillare" was formed by combining the prefix "dis-" (meaning "apart") and the verb "stillare" (meaning "to drip"). Over time, "distillare" gave rise to the Old French term "distiller", which was eventually borrowed into Middle English as "distillen". The suffix "-able", which indicates the capacity or ability to do something, was added to form "distillable". Therefore, "distillable" refers to something that can be subjected to the process of distillation.
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