n. & v.
--n.
1. a stipulation; something upon the fulfilment of which something else depends.
2 a the state of being or fitness of a person or thing (arrived in bad condition; not in a condition to be used). b an ailment or abnormality (a heart condition).
3 (in pl.) circumstances, esp. those affecting the functioning or existence of something (working conditions are good).
4 archaic social rank (all sorts and conditions of men).
5 Gram. a clause expressing a condition.
6 US a subject in which a student must pass an examination within a stated time to maintain a provisionally granted status.
--v.tr.
1. a bring into a good or desired state or condition. b make fit (esp. dogs or horses).
2 teach or accustom to adopt certain habits etc. (conditioned by society).
3 govern, determine (his behaviour was conditioned by his drunkenness).
4 a impose conditions on. b be essential to (the two things condition each other).
5 test the condition of (textiles etc.).
6 US subject (a student) to re-examination.
Phrases and idioms:
conditioned reflex a reflex response to a non-natural stimulus, established by training. in (or out of) condition in good (or bad) condition. in no condition to certainly not fit to. on condition that with the stipulation that.
Etymology: ME f. OF condicion (n.), condicionner (v.) or med.L condicionare f. L condicio -onis f. condicere (as com-, dicere say)