1) Laboratory technique 
Decantation is a process for the separation of mixtures, by removing a layer of liquid, generally one from which a precipitate has settled. The purpose may be either to produce a clean decant, or to remove undesired liquid from the precipitate (or other layers). If the aim is to produce a clean solution, a small amount of solution must generally b...
• (n.) The act of pouring off a clear liquor gently from its lees or sediment, or from one vessel into another.
Pouring off the clear upper portion of a fluid, leaving a sediment or precipitate. ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
(de″kan-ta´shәn) the pouring of a clear supernatant liquid from a sediment.
De`can·ta'tion noun [ Confer French décantation .] The act of pouring off a clear liquor gently from its lees or sediment, or from one vessel into another. 
Type: Term Pronunciation: dē′kan-tā′shŭn Definitions: 1. Pouring off the clear upper portion of a fluid, leaving a sediment or precipitate.
noun the act of gently pouring off a clear liquor (as from its original bottle) without disturbing the lees