'distill' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distillare', where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'stillare' meant 'to drip'.

'distillare' transformed into the Old French word 'distiller', and eventually became the modern English word 'distill' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to drip or trickle down', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'purifying a liquid by heating it'.