condensation

noun

con·​den·​sa·​tion ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən 

-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 

-shə-nᵊl

-dən-

adjective

Synonyms

• abbreviation
• abridgment
• abridgement
• bowdlerization
• digest

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

Straight-line winds, or downbursts, form when cold air rises in a thunderstorm to the point of condensation. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 3 Apr. 2024

It is also constructed with ventilation holes to avoid condensation build-up. —Molly Allen, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2024

Festive bandannas tied around glass pitchers capture the spirit (and any condensation). —Kit Selzer, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2024

Reflective lenses block out sunlight, and an anti-fog treatment keeps condensation at bay. —Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024

The condensation from my breathing created icicles on my eyelashes. —Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

condensation

noun

con·​den·​sa·​tion ˌkän-ˌden-ˈsā-shən 

-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- 

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