1. the process of purifying or cleansing something, especially the removal of impurities or contaminants
Usage: formal; technical
2. in marine biology, the process by which shellfish such as oysters or mussels are placed in clean water to expel harmful bacteria and contaminants
Usage: technical; marine biology

Examples

• The depuration of drinking water is essential for public health.
• Oysters undergo depuration in tanks of clean seawater before being sold for consumption.
• The facility uses advanced filtration for the depuration of industrial wastewater.
• Depuration removes bacteria and toxins that shellfish may have accumulated.
• Modern depuration systems can process large quantities of mussels efficiently.