Decant
/dɪˈkænt/noun
To pour off a liquid so that sediment is left behind, or to transfer a liquid into another container.
Did you know?Decant comes from Latin roots meaning “to pour down/away,” and the idea was originally about leaving the heavy, unwanted residue behind—very close to a symbolic purification rite.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
decantare
“to pour off or drain off by pouring”
Late Latin
Latin
decantare
“to decant, especially wine or liquid”
Old French
Old French
décanter
“to pour off a liquid from its sediment”
17th Century
English
decant
“to pour from one vessel into another”
Modern English
English
decant
“to pour off a liquid, leaving sediment behind or transferring it carefully”
Explore more surprising origins