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sift

(sĭft)

v. sift·ed, sift·ing, sifts

v.tr.

1. To put (flour, for example) through a sieve 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 through 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 a sieve: a meal that sifts easily.

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

[Middle English siften, from Old English siftan.]

sifter n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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