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 complete details — including the pros and cons of consolidation and additional resources are also found on their website. —The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024

None of the reports raised the possibility of consolidation or closure. —Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024

These are people who specifically recognize the dangers of consolidation, and how the consolidated food market is damaging both farmers and ranchers on one side, and consumers and eaters on the other side. —Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

Part of the idea of having an underlying protocol is that, actually, social networks systems tend to go through periods of consolidation and then fragmentation, and a protocol that connects them all lets this happen naturally. —Nilay Patel, The Verge, 25 Mar. 2024

On top of making strategic sense, the consolidation of AI teams may become virtually necessary due to the scarcity of skilled AI professionals and AI resources. —David Zuluaga Martínez, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024

That’s the irony in all this: The breakup of the Pac-12 accelerated the consolidation of power by the SEC and Big Ten and the marginalization of the ACC and Big 12. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

Bryan Anselm—Redux Hak Ja Han’s consolidation of power created a schism that tore apart friendships, marriages, and families. —TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

The consolidation of the AI industry should be a concern to the wider public, experts argue. —Laura Bratton, Quartz, 28 Mar. 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.