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-sh(ə-)nəl 

-dən-

adjective

Synonyms of condensation

• summary
• abridgment
• abbreviation
• review
• digest
• bowdlerization
• overview

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

Durston Gear The double-wall design with fully independent fly and inner tents improves ventilation while helping to abate interior condensation. — New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026

Despite the flow of cold air from the gap in the doorjamb, every first-floor window dripped with condensation. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Just the sight of the glasses, dewy with condensation on the outside and filled to the rim with clinking ice, nearly chilled my body. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Sometimes holding a dispenser over a steaming hot beverage can cause condensation to form around the pouring spout. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for condensation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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