To carefully pour liquid from one container into another, usually leaving sediment or unwanted material behind in the original container.
From Medieval Latin 'decanthare,' from de- (down) + canthus (edge or rim of a vessel). The term originally described pouring from the rim of one vessel to another, evolving from physical action to a general term for careful pouring.
Wine enthusiasts decant aged wines to let air make them taste better, but decanting is also how scientists carefully separate liquids from solids in labs—the same motion used for fancy dinner parties is essential laboratory technique.
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