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

• summary
• abridgment
• abridgement
• abbreviation
• review
• digest
• bowdlerization

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

Sisters flit in and out of the house while others gab about the new semester, sipping on iced coffees that are quickly gathering condensation. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025

Just like homemade bags, each sleeve has an outer fabric ring that wraps around the cup, with a bottom piece to keep all condensation contained. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025

Sitting in the bar’s backyard, afternoon sun high, condensation pouring off those Shirley Temples, a joint going back and forth between Bassin and DiGesu, Winter begins to share an idea he’s had for a new live rig for his guitar. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2025

During these 10-20-minute hairstyling routines, researchers continuously measured air quality with scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPS) and condensation particle counters (CPC), which can detect and count particles as tiny as just a few nanometers in size. —New Atlas, 23 Aug. 2025

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