A sieve is a tool used to separate wanted elements from unwanted material or for controlling the particle size of a mixture. It typically consists of a mesh or perforated material that allows smaller particles to pass through while retaining larger ones. Commonly used in cooking, a sieve can help strain liquids from solids, such as when making pasta or rinsing fruits. In addition to culinary uses, sieves are also important in various industries, including construction and agriculture. For example, in construction, sieves help sort different sizes of sand and gravel, while in agriculture, they can be used to separate seeds from soil or debris.