condensation

noun

con·​den·​sa·​tion ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce condensation (audio)
-dən-
1
: the act or process of condensing: such as
a
: a chemical reaction involving union between molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (such as water) to form a new more complex compound of often greater molecular weight
b
: the conversion of a substance (such as water) from the vapor state to a denser liquid or solid state usually initiated by a reduction in temperature of the vapor
c
: compression of a written or spoken work into more concise form
an essay greatly in need of condensation
2
: the quality or state of being condensed
3
: a product of condensing
read a condensation of the long novel
condensational
ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce condensation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-dən-
adjective

Examples of condensation in a Sentence

When we heat the house in the winter, condensation forms on the windows. Condensation dripped from the air conditioner. the processes of evaporation and condensation The editor found condensation of the play very difficult. a condensation of one of Shakespeare's plays
Recent Examples on the Web Its tiled walls and floors are wet with condensation. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 Figures are seen through veils of condensation or snow; taxis barrel and blur through the rain; a traffic light punctuates a blizzard. Christian House, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 Plus, the exterior didn't sweat, leaving a pool of condensation on my counter like glasses tend to do. Susan Brickell, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2024 The beautiful ceramic features a classic white marble design and sits on top of an absorbent foam core with a slip-proof cork bottom to keep condensation away from your table. Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2023 In the fridge The best way to defrost frozen milk is to place the container on a plate (to collect any condensation when thawing) and put it in the refrigerator to slowly thaw. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Care tip: Be sure to regularly check and clean out the condensation collector, which catches excess liquid from the appliance. Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2024 Artificial intelligence could be used to prevent planes from creating planet-warming condensation trails, or contrails, according to a new study. Haley Rush, David Schechter, CBS News, 16 Jan. 2024 But Kerry Abbott noticed condensation fogging the windows — a sign someone might be inside. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of condensation was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near condensation

Cite this Entry

“Condensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condensation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

condensation

noun
con·​den·​sa·​tion ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce condensation (audio)
-dən-
1
: the act or process of condensing
2
: the quality or state of being condensed
3
: a product of condensing
especially : a shortened literary work

Medical Definition

condensation

noun
con·​den·​sa·​tion ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən, -dən- How to pronounce condensation (audio)
1
: the act or process of condensing: as
a
: a chemical reaction involving union between molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (as water) to form a new more complex compound of often greater molecular weight
b
: the conversion of a substance (as water) from the vapor state to a denser liquid or solid state usually initiated by a reduction in temperature of the vapor
2
: representation of several apparently discrete ideas by a single symbol especially in dreams
3
: an abnormal hardening of an organ or tissue
connective tissue condensations

More from Merriam-Webster on condensation

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