condensation
UK: ˌkɒndenˈseɪʃən | US: ˌkɑːndenˈseɪʃən
n. the process of a gas changing into a liquid
n. the act of making something more concise or dense
n. water droplets formed on a cold surface due to humid air
condensation = con<together> + dens<make thick> + ation<noun suffix>
- con (Latin cum): Prefix meaning "together" or "completely."
- dens (Latin densus): Root meaning "thick" or "dense," reflecting the idea of compression or thickening.
- ation: Noun-forming suffix indicating a process or result.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin condensare ("to make dense"), the word originally described the physical process of compressing a substance (e.g., vapor into liquid). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe abstract concepts like summarizing text ("condensing" information). The scientific sense (gas-to-liquid change) emerged in the 17th century, aligning with the root’s focus on density and compression.
Condensation forms on windows when warm, moist air meets a cold surface.
The condensation of the report reduced 50 pages to a 10-page summary.
In chemistry labs, condensation reactions join molecules to form larger compounds.
Morning dew is a natural example of condensation.
The cold drink caused condensation to drip onto the table.