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

Thanks to the contoured rim, it can also be used as an ashtray or a nifty drink rest that never lets condensation spill over. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026

Google is using artificial intelligence to predict where these condensation trails, or contrails, are likely to form if planes pass through. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026

Moisture from condensation can also pool on cold sills in winter, feeding mold or mildew if it is not wiped away regularly. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 13 Mar. 2026

But window frames often become moldy due to moisture from condensation. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 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