consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce consolidation (audio)
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.

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency
Recent Examples on the Web The acquisition highlights consolidation in the XR industry. Charlie Fink, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 After Hurricane Michael hit Florida four weeks before the 2018 election, another study found that the consolidation of polling places in the wake of the storm actually decreased turnout — perhaps because voters were unaware of the changes and the location of their new polling place. Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024 First in a series If former President Trump wins the election, and Republicans keep the House and flip the Senate, the U.S. would witness a dramatic consolidation of new right-wing populist power at scale. Axios, 14 Oct. 2024 The potential for more revenue could drive consolidation further. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consolidation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consolidation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consolidation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near consolidation

Cite this Entry

“Consolidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolidation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun
con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce consolidation (audio)
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on consolidation

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