[fil.ter] n [ME filtre, fr. ML filtrum piece of felt used as a filter, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG filz felt--more at felt] (1563) 1 a: a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension b: something that has the effect of a filter
2: an apparatus containing a filter medium 3 a: a device or material for suppressing or minimizing waves or oscillations of certain frequencies (as of electricity, light, or sound) b: a transparent material (as colored glass) that absorbs light of certain wavelengths or colors selectively and is used for modifying light that reaches a sensitized photographic material--called also color filter
[2]filter vb fil.tered ; fil.ter.ing vt (1576) 1: to subject to the action of a filter
2: to remove by means of a filter ~ vi 1: to pass or move through or as if through a filter
2: to come or go in small units over a period of time "people began ~ing in"