I. ˈkȧn(t)sən.ˌtrāt also -änˌsen-; usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: com- + Latin centr um center + English -ate (v. suffix) — more at center
transitive verb
1. : to bring or direct toward a common center or objective : focus
concentrating all their efforts on reaching shore
: gather into one body, mass, or force
there are times when power must be concentrated in a few able hands
2. : to render less dilute or diffuse:
a.
(1) : to remove water from
in making maple syrup one concentrates the sap by boiling
(2) : to separate dross from
repeated concentrating of the ore is necessary
(3) : to free from impurities
copper may be concentrated electrolytically
b. : to express the essence of
the message of the New Testament is concentrated in the Sermon on the Mount
: render more condensed
the essence of her sex was concentrated in her charming obstinacy
intransitive verb
1. : to draw toward or meet in a common center
2. : to settle closely : gather , collect
recent immigrants tend to concentrate in port cities
social and racial tensions concentrate in industrial centers
3.
a. : to bring all one's powers, faculties, or activites to bear (as upon a course of action, a thought, or an object)
concentrate on a problem
farmers are concentrating on wheat this year
to be able to concentrate on the same matter for a considerable time is essential to difficult achievement — Bertrand Russell
b. : major
Synonyms: see unify
II. adjective
Etymology: com- + Latin centr um + English -ate (adjective suffix)
: concentrated
III. noun
( -s )
: something obtained by concentration : a concentration or concentrated substance: as
a. : the remainder of dressed ore that contains the mineral sought
b. : a feedstuff rich in digestible nutrients in comparison to its bulk (as grains, oil meals, or tankage) — opposed to roughage
c. : a food reduced in bulk by elimination of watery fluid
orange juice concentrate