distillate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “distillate” mean?
A liquid product obtained by distillation, especially a purified or concentrated substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A liquid product obtained by distillation, especially a purified or concentrated substance.
The most essential or refined part of something; a concentrated essence or extract.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English also accepts 'distillate' but historically used 'distillate' (double 'l') more consistently. American English uses 'distillate'. No significant meaning difference.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American industrial/energy contexts (e.g., petroleum distillate). In British English, may be perceived as more technical/literary.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in American English due to energy sector terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “distillate” in a Sentence
distillate of [noun][adjective] distillatedistillate from [source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “distillate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They distil the whisky for twelve years.
- We need to distil the key points from the report.
American English
- They distill the crude oil into various fractions.
- Her job is to distill complex data into clear insights.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial form for 'distillate']
American English
- [No common adverbial form for 'distillate']
adjective
British English
- The distillery process is tightly controlled.
- Her distilling wisdom was remarkable.
American English
- The distillation column is 30 meters tall.
- His distilling of the argument was masterful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to specific petroleum products in the energy sector (e.g., 'The price of light distillates rose').
Academic
Used in chemistry, engineering, and metaphorically in humanities (e.g., 'the distillate of centuries of thought').
Everyday
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for 'the best part' (e.g., 'That film is the distillate of his genius').
Technical
Precise term for a substance separated by distillation in labs or industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “distillate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “distillate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “distillate”
- Misspelling as 'distillate' (US) or 'distillate' (UK) is common. Using it as a verb (correct verb is 'distil'/'distill'). Confusing with 'distillation' (the process).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Distillation' is the process. A 'distillate' is the product or result of that process.
Yes, but only metaphorically. Literally, it refers to a liquid product. Metaphorically, it can refer to the concentrated essence of an idea, experience, or work of art.
The petroleum and energy industry, where terms like 'petroleum distillate' or 'distillate fuel oil' are common for specific refined products.
Recognising its primary technical meaning versus its rarer metaphorical use, and not confusing it with the more common verb 'distil'/'distill' or noun 'distillation'.
A liquid product obtained by distillation, especially a purified or concentrated substance.
Distillate is usually formal, technical in register.
Distillate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪstɪlət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪstəˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'still' in the middle – a distilLATE is what comes LATE out of the distillation process, after the purification.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS SEPARATION; ESSENCE IS A LIQUID; KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE IS A SUBSTANCE TO BE REFINED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'distillate' used most literally?