sieve
(sɪv )
Word forms: sieves , sieving , sieved
1. countable noun
A sieve is a tool used for separating solids from liquids or larger pieces of something from smaller pieces. It consists of a metal or plastic ring with a wire or plastic net underneath, which the liquid or smaller pieces pass through.
Press the raspberries through a fine sieve to form a puree.
Synonyms: strainer, sifter, colander, screen
2. verb
When you sieve a substance, you put it through a sieve.
Cream the margarine in a small bowl, then sieve the icing sugar into it. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: sift, part, filter, strain
Image of sieve
© Coprid, Shutterstock
Idioms:
have a brain like a sieve
to have a bad memory and often forget things
I've lost the car keys again – my brain's like a sieve.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Collocations:
fine-meshed sieve
Tip the strawberries and liquid into a large, fine-meshed sieve and leave to drip for an hour.
Times, Sunday Times
Leave to infuse for an hour and then strain through a fine-meshed sieve.
Times,Sunday Times
When all the butter has been fully incorporated, pass the mixture through a fine-meshed sieve lined with a double layer of muslin.
Times, Sunday Times
Blend the mixture in a food processor until smooth, then strain through a fine-meshed sieve to remove any skin.
Times, Sunday Times
Pass the juice through a fine-meshed sieve.
Times, Sunday Times
Translations:
Chinese: 筛子, 筛
Japanese: ふるい ざる, ふるいにかける