Sift

To pass dry ingredients through a fine-mesh screen so any large pieces can be removed. Sifting also incorporates air to make ingredients (such as confectioners' sugar or flour) lighter.

Means of aerating and mixing dry ingredients (especially flour) by lightly passing the powder through a mesh screen. Hand crank or electric sifters are available, although a fine mesh stainer works well: simply fill the stainer and tap it lightly on the side.