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Beginner's Dictionary
       

sift

 
 
pronunciation:
sIft
part of speech: verb
inflections: sifts, sifting, sifted
definition 1: to pass or force through a screen in order to break up the larger parts.
Cindy sifted the flour and spices for the cake.
similar words:
filter, pan, separate, strain
definition 2: to search through something in great detail.
The detective sifted through the evidence looking for clues.
similar words:
hunt, investigate, research, search
derivation: sifter (n.)