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

Here are a few dozen names that have recently emerged out of periods of consolidation which fit well within the above context. —Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

The daily chart also provides a clear risk management method based on technical analysis principles, as a break below $340 would resolve this recent consolidation phase to the downside. —David Keller, CNBC, 5 June 2025

One of the sources said the consolidation plan involved pulling all U.S. troops out of Deir el-Zor province. —Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2025

Meanwhile, the state Office of Health Strategy approved a settlement allowing Prospect to seek approval of the consolidation of the Rockville General and Manchester Memorial hospital licenses from the Department of Public Health. —Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for consolidation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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.