filters

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of filter.

   The aquarium uses two separate filters to keep the water clean.

   Photographers carry several colored filters for different lighting conditions.

   Note

   A regular -s plural that covers every kind of filter at once. It names the devices that clean water or air, the circuits and software that strip out noise, and the tinted glass a photographer puts in the light path. In mathematics it also names the upper sets closed under meets. The same spelling serves the verb's present-tense form. A determiner such as two filters or the filters marks the noun.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of filter.

   A polarizing lens filters glare from the surface of the lake.

   The software filters incoming messages and flags anything suspicious.

   Note

   Here the form does double duty, working with or without an object. With an object it removes something: a lens filters glare. Without one it describes slow, gradual movement: light filters through leaves, and a crowd filters in a few at a time. A motorcyclist filters between lanes of traffic. A slang use describes a newcomer who is put off where a devoted fan would persist. That use is derogatory and needs care.

   Morning light filters through the curtains.

   The audience slowly filters into the hall.

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