I. kənˌsäləˈdāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English consolidacion, from Late Latin consolidation-, consolidatio, from Latin consolidatus + -ion-, -io -ion — more at consolidate
1.
a. : the process of becoming firm or solid
the consolidation of fibrous matter under pressure
b.
(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
(2) : tissue that has undergone consolidation
areas of consolidation
— compare resolution
c. : the passage from a loosely aggregated or liquid condition to firm rock through the effect of pressure, chemical action, or crystallization : lithification
2. : the process of becoming or making stronger or more secure
the consolidation of gains
his consolidation of political power
the year 1952 was one of consolidation in physics — Americana Annual
her more recent fiction suggests nothing more than a consolidation of her previous achievement — W.S.Graham
3. : the process of uniting or the quality or state of being united : combination , unification
the consolidation of several works into one volume
the present consolidation of rural schools
the twin Communist goals of consolidation of the Communist world and disintegration of the rest — J.P.Lash
specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation
II. noun
: a period of backing and filling in a security or commodity market usually following a strong run-up of prices and typically preceding a further active advance