Destructive distillation (Chem.), the distillation, especially of complex solid substances, so that the ultimate constituents are separated or evolved in new compounds, -- usually requiring a high degree of heat; as, the destructive distillation of soft coal or of wood. -- Dry distillation, the distillation of substances by themselves, or without the addition of water or of other volatile solvent; as, the dry distillation of citric acid. -- Fractional distillation. (Chem.) See under Fractional.
Dis*til"la*to*ry (?), a. [Cf. F. distillatoire.] Belonging to, or used in, distilling; as, distillatory vessels. -- n. A distillatory apparatus; a still.
Dis*till"er (?), n. 1. One who distills; esp., one who extracts alcoholic liquors by distillation.