consolidation
noun
con·sol·i·da·tion
kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən 
1
: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated
2
: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united
specifically
: the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation
3
: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency
4
: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting
Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …—
John D. Rudoy et al.
John D. Rudoy et al.Examples of consolidation in a Sentence
the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency
Recent Examples on the Web
And third, after years of gerrymandering and Republican consolidation of power, the Democratic turnout machine is exceedingly rickety.
—Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
According to data used by the consolidation committee, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women’s and gender studies or LGBTQ studies currently.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
Health care systems — and hospitals, in particular — are gaining more clout in negotiations amid rapid consolidation.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
Among those proposed earlier this month are reductions in discretionary spending, elimination or reduction of nonessential expenses, cuts in nonessential travel, consolidation of duplicative resources, decreases in department spending and staff streamlining to align with current enrollment needs.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consolidation
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Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
According to data used by the consolidation committee, 95 students are pursuing majors or minors in women’s and gender studies or LGBTQ studies currently.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
Health care systems — and hospitals, in particular — are gaining more clout in negotiations amid rapid consolidation.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
Among those proposed earlier this month are reductions in discretionary spending, elimination or reduction of nonessential expenses, cuts in nonessential travel, consolidation of duplicative resources, decreases in department spending and staff streamlining to align with current enrollment needs.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consolidation
Cite this Entry
“Consolidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolidation. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
consolidation
noun
con·sol·i·da·tion
kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən
1
: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts
pneumonic consolidation
also
: tissue that has undergone consolidation
areas of consolidation
2
: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting
Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …—John D. Rudoy et al.
John D. Rudoy et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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