What's another word for filtrate?

Another word for filtrate is "effluent," particularly in the context of wastewater treatment or industrial processes where liquid flows out of a system. However, "effluent" can also refer to any outflowing stream of liquid, so context matters. In scientific laboratory settings, the term "permeate" is often used, especially in membrane filtration processes like reverse osmosis, to describe the fluid that has passed through the membrane. "Distillate" is another related term, though it specifically refers to the product of distillation rather than filtration. In general conversation, people might simply call it the "filtered liquid" or "cleaned water." The term "residue" or "retentate" refers to the opposite part—the material left behind on the filter. Choosing the correct synonym depends on the specific technical context, but "permeate" is the most precise scientific alternative for the fluid that passes through a filter medium.