elutriation

e·lu·tri·ate  (-ltr-t)

tr.v. e·lu·tri·at·ed, e·lu·tri·at·ing, e·lu·tri·ates

1. To purify, separate, or remove (ore, for example) by washing, decanting, and settling.

2. To wash away the lighter or finer particles of (soil, for example).

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[Latin elutrire, elutrit- (from *elutrium, vat, bath, from Greek *elutrion, diminutive of elutron, cover, sheath, tank; see elytron) or ltrire (from *ltor, one who washes, from luere, to wash out; see elute).]

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e·lutri·ation n.

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elutriation

the process of elutriating, or purification by washing and straining.

See also: Cleanliness, Processes