condensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "condensation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun meaning the process of turning a vapor or gas into a liquid, such as the water droplets that form on the outside of a cold glass on a hot day. You can use it in sentences like "The condensation on the outside of the glass made it slippery to the touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over half have condensation, almost half have mould and a quarter have vermin – from slugs to mice.

The Guardian

The only way to avoid the condensation is to place them in an airtight container before putting them in the refrigerator and then leave them in the container when you remove them from the refrigerator until they come to room temperature, or to serve them right away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When New Year's resolutions have long since failed you, it is a small wonder to watch the condensation of one's breath in cold air, a visible reminder that transformation is possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1964, working with condensation of those crystals at room temperature, Kwolek produced a thin, buttermilk-like liquid different from the clear viscous fluids that usually resulted.

The Guardian

I don't recommend putting the friands in the refrigerator to set up if your kitchen is hot because condensation will form on the tops when you take them out, ruining the smooth look of the ganache.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Time magazine called his earlier book "Proust for dummies", but not unkindly; it was a marvel of condensation, the reviewer said.

The Economist

It is these crystals, not aerosols, that act as condensation centres for further cloud formation.Regardless of which theory is correct (and both might be wrong), the effect of fewer cosmic rays would be fewer clouds and since clouds tend to cool the earth by reflecting incoming solar radiation away from it a warmer planet.This is certainly a tempting hypothesis.

The Economist

When the relative humidity of the trapped air reaches 100%, condensation commences and a sheet of stratus begins to form below the inversion layer.

The Economist

TO MOST people, condensation is something that mists up car windscreens at inopportune moments.

The Economist

Its prime function is the FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION, or rather its CONDENSATION AND CONCENTRATION, preparatory to legislation.

The Economist

The consequent condensation of the water vapour it is carrying heats the air further (the change of state from gas to liquid sheds latent heat), causing it to continue rising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing climate or weather phenomena, use "condensation" to accurately describe the process of water vapor transforming into liquid. Ensure that the context clarifies the specific type of condensation, such as atmospheric or surface condensation, for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "condensation" solely in the context of chemical reactions when discussing general environmental processes. While "condensation" can refer to a chemical process involving the loss of a small molecule, it more commonly refers to the phase transition of a gas to a liquid. Use specific terms like "condensation reaction" in chemistry to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "condensation" is that of a noun. It refers to the process or state of a gas transforming into a liquid. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "condensation" is a noun denoting the process of a gas changing into a liquid, a concept commonly found across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and highly prevalent, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to ensure context-specific usage, especially to avoid confusion with chemical "condensation" reactions. Remember to enhance clarity by specifying the type of "condensation", such as atmospheric or surface. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently use "condensation" in your writing and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water vapor condensation

This alternative specifies the type of condensation, focusing on water, which is a common context for the term.

atmospheric condensation

This alternative highlights the atmospheric context of condensation, related to weather and climate.

surface condensation

This alternative specifies that the condensation is occurring on a surface.

process of condensing

This alternative emphasizes the action or process rather than the state of being condensed.

transformation to liquid

This alternative describes the change of state involved in condensation, focusing on the outcome.

phase transition

This alternative is a more scientific term referring to the change from a gaseous to a liquid state.

moisture formation

This alternative highlights the result of condensation, focusing on the formation of moisture.

liquefaction

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something liquid, similar to condensation.

collection of droplets

This alternative describes the outcome of condensation in terms of the physical appearance of the resulting liquid.

reduction to liquid form

This alternative emphasizes the change in form from a gas to a liquid.

FAQs

How is "condensation" commonly used in science?

In science, "condensation" typically refers to the process where a gas or vapor changes into a liquid. This is a key concept in understanding weather patterns, chemical processes, and various physical phenomena. Examples include cloud formation and dew formation.

What is the difference between "condensation" and "evaporation"?

"Condensation" is the process where a gas turns into a liquid, while "evaporation" is the process where a liquid turns into a gas. They are opposite phases of a substance's state change, crucial in cycles such as the water cycle.

What are some practical ways to prevent "condensation" in my home?

To reduce "condensation" in your home, ensure adequate ventilation, use dehumidifiers, insulate cold surfaces, and avoid excessive moisture production from activities like cooking or showering. Addressing these factors can help maintain a drier environment.

Can "condensation" be beneficial?

Yes, "condensation" can be beneficial in several applications. For example, condensers are used in power plants and refrigeration systems to efficiently transfer heat and convert steam back into water. Dew "harvesting" is another beneficial application.