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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Employees had to discard a box of leafy greens after condensation from an evaporator was seen dripping onto the vegetables. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Additionally, wet windows can accumulate condensation overnight, potentially ruining your hard work. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Because there’s not as much condensation flowing through the air conditioner, researchers haven’t noticed as many microbes brewing on AC units there, Peccia notes. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 June 2025 The wings have alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions to enhance the condensation. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for condensation

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of condensation was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condensation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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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