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

Synonyms for sieve

• strainer
• colander
• filter
• screen
• mesh

Phrases with sieve

• sieve through something

  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.

• sieve out something

  to separate something from a mixture using a sieve

  Example

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

• like water through a sieve

  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.