sieve

UK: sɪv | US: sɪv

Definition

  1. n. a utensil with a mesh or perforated bottom, used for straining or separating fine particles from coarse ones

  2. vt. to pass through a sieve; to separate or sift

Structure
siev <to sift>
Etymology

The word "sieve" originates from Old English sife, derived from Proto-Germanic sib- (to sift). It shares roots with Dutch zeef and German Sieb. The silent "e" in Modern English is a vestige of Middle English spelling conventions. The core concept of "separating by filtering" has remained consistent throughout its evolution.

Examples

  1. She used a sieve to drain the pasta.

  2. The baker sifted the flour through a fine sieve.

  3. Gold miners sieved the river sand for tiny nuggets.

  4. Sieve the powdered sugar to remove lumps.

  5. His memory was like a sieve—details kept slipping away.