sifting

sift  (sft)

v. sift·ed, sift·ing, sifts

v.tr.

1. To put (flour, for example) through a sieve or other straining device in order to separate the fine from the coarse particles.

2. To distinguish as if separating with a sieve: sifted the candidates for the job.

3. To apply by scattering with or as if with a sieve: sift sugar on a dessert.

4. To examine and sort carefully: sift the evidence.

v.intr.

1. To make use of a sieve.

2. To pass through or as if through a sieve: a meal that sifts easily.

3. To make a careful examination: sifted through back issues of the magazine.

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[Middle English siften, from Old English siftan.]

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sifter n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

sifting - the act of separating grain from chaff; "the winnowing was done by women" winnow, winnowing separation - sorting one thing from others; "the separation of wheat from chaff"; "the separation of mail by postal zones"