What does cribration mean?
Cribration denotes the process of separating a material by passing it through a sieve, screen, or similar mesh. Fine particles pass through the openings while larger fragments are retained, allowing the material to be classified by size or made more uniform. The word is chiefly used in technical and industrial contexts, including the processing of powders, minerals, grains, and chemical products. In everyday language, sifting or sieving is more natural, but cribration is useful when the operation specifically involves a sieve or the systematic grading of particles. The term comes from Latin, in which cribrum meant a sieve and cribrare referred to sifting. Its historical form and specialized modern use reflect the longstanding importance of separating materials by size. Although understandable in British and American English, it remains uncommon outside specialist writing.
nounCribration is the process of passing a material through a sieve or screen to separate it into different-sized particles or to remove larger pieces.
- The operation of sifting material through a sieve or screen, especially to separate or classify particles by size.
"The final cribration of the powdered mixture ensured that only fine granules entered the vials."
"The final cribration of the powdered mixture ensured that only fine granules entered the vials."
"Screeners used cribration to remove oversized fragments from the crushed ore."
The plural is possible when referring to separate sieving operations, but it is rarely needed.
"The technicians adjusted the equipment between successive cribrations."
From the Latin word for a sieve, cribration names the practical art of letting fine material through while keeping larger pieces behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cribration come from?
Cribration derives from Latin, where cribrum means “sieve” and cribrare means “to sift.” The English noun developed through Latin and French usage in the sense of sifting or sieving. Its relatives include crib, originally associated with a wickerwork basket or sieve, as well as cribriform, meaning sieve-shaped.
Related word forms
How cribration is actually used
This is a rare, chiefly technical term used in descriptions of sieving, screening, and the grading of particulate materials. It is more specialized than the everyday words sifting and sieving.
Easily confused with cribration
Cribration is the physical separation of material by sieving, whereas calibration is the adjustment or measurement of a device against a standard.