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
Instead of splitting the media rights pie with two leagues, the consolidation would have enhanced leverage in negotiations for a new rights deal.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
In March, the health secretary announced the consolidation of divisions and elimination of 20,000 full-time employees in a major restructuring and slashed funding for research.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
The Nexstar deal means dangerous consolidation that will limit competition, harm conservative voices and dramatically increase consumer cable bills.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
Some items on the plan for next year include reducing contributions to employee benefit offerings, cutting the parent participation preschool to one classroom and considering school consolidation and closures.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for consolidation
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Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
In March, the health secretary announced the consolidation of divisions and elimination of 20,000 full-time employees in a major restructuring and slashed funding for research.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
The Nexstar deal means dangerous consolidation that will limit competition, harm conservative voices and dramatically increase consumer cable bills.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
Some items on the plan for next year include reducing contributions to employee benefit offerings, cutting the parent participation preschool to one classroom and considering school consolidation and closures.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 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 11 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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