English Reference
noun

condensation

n.
US /ˌkɑndənˈseɪʃən/ UK /kɒndɪnsˈeɪʃən/ con·den·sa·tion UK spelling condensations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the small drops of water that form on a cold surface when it touches warm, wet air.

    the conversion of a vapour or gas to a liquid, typically occurring when it comes into contact with a cooler surface.

    Simple

    In the morning, there was heavy condensation on the inside of the bedroom windows.

    In context

    Poor ventilation in the kitchen often leads to significant condensation, which can eventually cause mould to grow on the walls.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    a shorter version of a book, speech, or piece of writing.

    the act of reducing a text or idea to a more concise form while retaining its essential meaning.

    Simple

    The editor provided a brief condensation of the long report for the manager.

    In context

    The author's latest work is a masterful condensation of decades of research into a single, readable volume.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a type of chemical reaction where two molecules join together and lose a smaller molecule, like water.

    a chemical reaction in which two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, with the simultaneous loss of a small molecule such as water or methanol.

    Simple

    The plastic is formed through a condensation reaction between two different chemicals.

    In context

    Polymers like nylon are typically synthesised via condensation polymerisation, releasing water as a byproduct during the process.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical

    when one image or idea in a dream represents several different things at once.

    a process in which a single manifest dream image represents multiple latent ideas or associations.

    Simple

    The therapist explained that the house in his dream was a condensation of his childhood home and his current office.

    In context

    Freudian theory posits that condensation is one of the primary methods by which the 'dream-work' disguises forbidden desires.

The most common scientific approach for thinking about how condensation, freezing and other phase transitions begin is based in classical nucleation theory, which was developed about a century ago.

Phys.org· 25 Aug 2026

Scientists have developed an ultrathin coating that could dramatically improve how efficiently heat is transferred during condensation.

ScienceDaily· 23 Aug 2026

From condense + -ation, borrowed from Latin condēnsātiō, condēnsātiōnem.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin condensatio
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated