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

• summary
• abridgment
• abridgement
• abbreviation
• review
• digest
• bowdlerization

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

Cloud seeding is when clouds are injected with a compound, like silver iodide, that act as condensation or ice nuclei in an attempt to help stimulate and boost rainfall or snowfall, according to Britannica. —Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025

The mesoscale conductive vortex essentially spun the remnants of a tropical system, causing significant ascent or rising motion to activate that moisture into condensation and precipitation in an efficient manner, according to Shepherd. —ABC News, 7 July 2025

Even a small amount, such as high humidity outdoors or condensation constantly dripping off the inside of a window or steam inside of a bathroom, can cause mold in a home. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025

Though debunked many times over the years, chemtrail believers say the white condensation lines left behind by airplanes in the sky are filled with toxic chemicals. —Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for condensation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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