filtering
UK: ˈfɪltərɪŋ | US: ˈfɪltərɪŋ
n. the process of passing a substance through a filter to remove impurities or select specific components
vt. the act of removing unwanted elements or refining data/materials by passing them through a filter
The word "filter" originates from the Old French filtre (a strainer), derived from Medieval Latin filtrum (felt used as a filter), likely of Germanic origin (compare Old High German filz "felt"). The suffix -ing is a productive English suffix forming present participles or gerunds, indicating an ongoing action or process. The combined form "filtering" thus literally means "the act of passing through a filter," reflecting both its physical and metaphorical applications (e.g., data filtering).
The lab technician is filtering the solution to isolate the precipitate.
Email platforms use algorithms for filtering spam messages.
She spent the morning filtering through old photographs.
The air conditioning system includes a HEPA filter for filtering allergens.
Social media platforms face criticism for filtering controversial content.