To bring (a solid substance, such as camphor or sulphur) by heat into the state of vapor, which on cooling returns again to the solid state. See sublimation.To extract by or as by sublimation.Figuratively, to deprive of earthly dross; elevate; refine; purify; idealize.Brought into a state of vapor by heat, and again condensed, as camphor, sulphur, etc.; hence, elevated; purified.n. Anything produced by sublimation or refining.n. In mineralogy, the deposit formed, as in a glass tube or on a surface of charcoal, when a mineral containing a volatile ingredient is heated before the blowpipe.