Sieve

usgb/sɪv/
noun

A tool with many small holes, used to separate smaller particles from larger ones or liquids from solids.

She used a sieve to separate the flour from any lumps.
Visual representation of "sieve" - A tool with many small holes, used to separate smaller particles from larger ones or liquids from solids.

Often appears as...

  • sieve through
  • pass through a sieve
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "sieve"
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Kitchen Staple

Commonly used in cooking to separate ingredients like flour or powdered sugar.

Illustration for Kitchen Staple
Remember to run the powdered sugar through a sieve to avoid lumps in the frosting.
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Not for Liquids

A sieve is not typically used for thin liquids; it's for thicker mixtures or dry ingredients.

Illustration for Not for Liquids
To drain pasta, you’d better use a colander, not a sieve.
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Metaphorical Use

Can be used to describe a process of careful selection or elimination.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
They sieved the applications, selecting only the most promising candidates.
Visual representation of the word "Sieve"

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