Webster's English Dictionary

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filter

1. fil.ter \'fil-t*r\ n [ME filtre, fr. ML filtrum, piece of felt used as a 
   filter, of Gmc] often attrib origin; akin to OHG filz felt - more at FELT 
   1: a porous article or mass through which a gas or liquid is passed to sepa 
   rate out matter in suspension 2: an apparatus containing a filter medium  
   3: a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations 
    of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound)
2. filter \-t(*-)rin\ vb or fil.ter.ing 1: to subject to the action of a 
   filter  2: to remove by means of a filter  : to pass or move through a 
   filter