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coffee filter

coffee filter

4 1.4
A paper or metal thing that keeps coffee grounds out of brewed coffee
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔːfi ˈfɪltər/
translation icon : filtro de café
  • She used a coffee filter to separate the grounds from the liquid in her homemade coffee.
  • paper coffee filter
  • a used coffee filter
  • coffee filter or cheesecloth

Examples

  • A coffee filter is placed in a metal pot.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • She removes a packet of coffee from a drawer, dumping the old coffee filter in the trash.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • That is a travel coffee filter.

  • I was, uh, getting coffee filters.

  • I was getting some coffee filters.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • And the coffee filter is the biggest part of this craft.

  • First, cut the coffee filter in half along its width.

  • Ran out of coffee filters, had to use a napkin.

  • Since then, I decided to make these coffee filter pods for him as a present.

    Blog text (5)
  • If I need coffee filters, what is a good substitute for them, as I don't have any?

    Blog text (4)

Synonyms

filter
vscoffee filter
139 2.8

A thing that removes unwanted parts from water, air, light and sound

is limited to brewed hot drink preparation rather than broad impurity removal
filter paper
vscoffee filter
  • Specialized
1 3.4

Thin paper with tiny holes that lets liquid pass but keeps solid bits

is used for brewed hot drink preparation rather than laboratory work

How Fine

mesh
  • Specialized
6 7.2
coffee filter
4 1.4
water filter
5 2.2
baghouse
  • Specialized
8.2

Surface Forms

coffee filter singular

Morphology

coffee + filter

The meaning 'a filter used for coffee' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'coffee' (the beverage) with 'filter' (a device that removes impurities). Noun+noun compounding for purpose (a filter for X) is a common, predictable pattern across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun coffee filter is a paper or mesh filter that holds the coffee grounds while hot water passes through. This 'separates' the solid grounds from the liquid, so you get clean, drinkable coffee.