noun

condensation

/ˌkɒndənˈseɪʃən/ · say it: kon·duhn·SAY·shuhn

the change of a gas into a liquid

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) small drops of water that form on a cold surface when warm air touches it

2. (noun) the process of a gas or vapor turning into a liquid

Examples

1. There was condensation on the bathroom mirror after I took a hot shower.
2. The condensation of steam into water happens when the temperature drops.

How to use condensation

Condensation describes the physical phenomenon of water vapor converting to liquid, commonly observed as droplets on cold surfaces like windows or mirrors. It is used in both everyday contexts (household moisture problems) and scientific/technical discussions (thermodynamics, engineering). The term is neutral and objective, unlike colloquial alternatives such as 'moisture' or 'dampness.'

Common phrases

condensation forms
condensation on windows
reduce condensation
prevent condensation
visible condensation
moisture condensation

Synonyms

moisture · dampness · water droplets · precipitation

Opposites

evaporation · vaporization

Word family

condense (verb) · condensed (adjective) · condenser (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse condensation with evaporation, which is the opposite process; condensation is gas becoming liquid, while evaporation is liquid becoming gas.

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