Stills

The plural form of 'still,' referring to devices used for the distillation process, particularly in the production of alcoholic beverages. These apparatuses typically involve heating a liquid to vaporize its components, which are then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, separating desired substances from unwanted ones. They are often associated with clandestine or artisanal production methods, though industrial versions exist. The term can also relate to the motionless images or 'snapshots' extracted from a moving image (e.g. a film or video). Beyond the tangible device, 'stills' can symbolically represent the process of quiet contemplation or internal reflection, as in the phrase 'being in the stills of one's mind'.

Stills meaning with examples

• The old moonshiner proudly showed off his copper stills, polished to a gleaming sheen. He explained how the specific curves and joints of the still impacted the flavor and the alcohol content of his illicit product. He carefully monitored the temperature during the distillation. It was vital for producing high quality, illegal spirits.
• The film crew reviewed the stills from the last scene to ensure perfect continuity. The director examined each image, critiquing the lighting, the actors' expressions, and the composition. The editors used the stills for their planning to ensure the best possible transitions between shots, refining their visual storytelling process.
• After a particularly stressful week, she retreated to the quiet of her garden to find her own 'stills'. Away from the noise of the city, she closed her eyes and listened to the gentle breeze that calmed her mind. Being in the stills of nature helped clear her head, enabling her to find a sense of peace within.
• The documentary explored the history of prohibition and the vital role that bootleggers played during this time. The illegal stills they operated were complex machines. These hidden distilleries were critical to satisfying the nation's demand for spirits. Their stills were hidden in various remote areas in an attempt to avoid any unwanted attention.