sieve

[siv]

sieve Definition

a utensil consisting of a wire or plastic mesh held in a frame, used for straining solids from liquids, for separating coarser from finer particles, or for reducing soft solids to a pulp.

Using sieve: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sieve" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She sifted the flour through a sieve to remove any lumps.

  • Example

    The miner used a sieve to separate the gold from the gravel.

  • Example

    The chef used a sieve to strain the sauce.

  • Example

    The gardener used a sieve to separate the compost from the debris.

sieve Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with sieve

  • to examine something carefully in order to find what is important or useful

    Example

    I spent hours sieving through the documents to find the relevant information.

  • to separate something from a mixture using a sieve

    Example

    She sieved out the larger stones from the soil before planting the seeds.

  • used to describe something that is very difficult to hold or contain

    Example

    The company's profits were flowing like water through a sieve due to their poor financial management.

Origins of sieve

from Old English 'sife', related to Dutch 'zeef' and German 'Sieb'

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Summary: sieve in Brief

A 'sieve' [siv] is a utensil used to strain solids from liquids, separate coarser from finer particles, or reduce soft solids to a pulp. It is commonly used in cooking, mining, and gardening. The phrase 'sieve through something' means to examine something carefully, while 'like water through a sieve' describes something that is difficult to hold or contain.