ˌkänˌdenˈsāshən, -_dən- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin condensation-, condensatio, from Latin condensatus (past participle of condensare ) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at condense
1.
a. : the act or process of condensing
b. : the state of being condensed or compressed
c. : a product of condensing : a condensed mass
2.
a. : reduction of written or spoken expression to more compact form
a prolix lecture greatly in need of condensation
b. : conciseness or compactness of expression
a literary style marked by great condensation
c. : abridgment and usually compression of a literary work
a staff employed in the condensation of magazine articles
d. : the work produced by such condensation
a condensation of a popular novel
3. : a chemical reaction involving union between atoms (as of carbon in organic compounds) in the same or different molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (as of water, alcohol, ammonia, or hydrogen chloride) to form a new compound of greater complexity and frequently greater molecular weight
condensation of oxygen to ozone
condensation of acetone with benzaldehyde
— compare polymerization
4.
a. : transition of a substance from the vapor to the liquid phase (as steam to water)
b. : a state or region of maximum pressure and density in a medium traversed by compression waves (as sound waves) — compare rarefaction
5. psychology : representation of several apparently discrete ideas by a single symbol especially in dreams