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

There are only a handful of DMS companies for dealers to choose from after decades of consolidation within this corner of the car-retailing industry. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 June 2024

Starting July 1, the ICR plan will only be available to borrowers who have a direct consolidation loan containing a parent PLUS loan. —Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024

Critics contend such financial arrangements inevitably result in favorable treatment of industry players, and Penske’s consolidation of trade outlets heightened writers’ angst during last year’s writers’ and actors’ strikes. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2024

Each consolidation of power by Brussels has tended to be followed by some popular pushback, making Europe’s integration a process of two steps forward, one step back. —Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 7 June 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.