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.

Synonyms

• combination
• combining
• connecting
• connection
• coupling
• junction
• linking
• merger
• merging
• unification
• union

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

The consolidation of the tax structure of the two companies is expected to result in cash tax savings of approximately $100 million over the next 12 to 18 months. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Xi’s consolidation of power might limit China’s effective use of AI. —Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024

The German culture ministry, however, has said that the institution will not close permanently, adding that the consolidation of its direction is simply an interim phase to regroup given that the directorship will soon be vacant. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Dec. 2024

The consolidation has made Hendler Family the largest craft beer producer in Massachusetts, concentrating resources in a single brewery. —Joshua M. Bernstein, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical 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.