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

• abbreviation
• abridgment
• abridgement
• bowdlerization
• digest

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

Rapid changes in temperature can cause condensation inside the packaging, leading to moisture buildup and compromising their quality. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Aug. 2023

As soon as they are brought to room temperature, the eggs begin to sweat, and condensation forms on the shells. —Becky Krystal, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Aug. 2023

The ceramic top has a texture that grabs onto your glass and is absorbent to capture condensation from iced drinks. —Belle Duchene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2023

These rely on gravity to drain condensation through a hose connected to your unit. —Jenna Clark, Southern Living, 31 July 2023

After just a few hours in a fairly damp basement (condensation on pipes, puddles under washing machines) everything was visibly dry, and the air was much less heavy. —Elizabeth Marino, Peoplemag, 30 July 2023

Those who can’t have both hands free to use the bottle, or who care about condensation developing on the bottle. —Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 21 July 2023

My favorite feature is the two water bottle side pockets—I’d rather be dehydrated than get stuck carrying around a water bottle that’s dripping in condensation. —Amber Joglar, Popular Mechanics, 10 May 2023

This gesture, so pure in its condensation of issues raised by video technology, is repeated multiple times. —Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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