condenser

[ kuhn-den-ser ]

noun

1. a person or thing that condenses.
2. an apparatus for condensing.
3. any device for reducing gases or vapors to liquid or solid form.
4. Optics. a lens or combination of lenses that gathers and concentrates light in a specified direction, often used to direct light onto the projection lens in a projection system.
5. Electricity. capacitor.

condenser

/ kənˈdɛnsə /

noun

1. 1. an apparatus for reducing gases to their liquid or solid form by the abstraction of heat
   2. a device for abstracting heat, as in a refrigeration unit
2. a lens that concentrates light into a small area
3. another name for capacitor
4. a person or device that condenses

condenser

/ kən-dĕn′sər /

1. An apparatus used to condense vapor, usually using cooling or pressurization.
2. See capacitor
3. A mirror, lens, or combination of lenses used to gather light and direct it upon an object or through a projection lens.

Other Words From

• inter·con·denser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of condenser¹

First recorded in 1680–90; condense + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The refrigerant then flows through condenser coils where it releases its heat out and cools back into a liquid.

From Seattle Times

Their clever, but simple design allowed DIYers to create the mini plants from engines, alternators, condensers and scrap material scavenged from Gorazde’s bombed out factories, vehicles and homes.

From Seattle Times

The water in question is only used in a “condenser” to return steam back to liquid water, not to directly cool the reactor.

From Washington Post

This cardioid condenser mic is great for podcasting and streaming, and it comes with a small desktop tripod.

From The Verge

The robust condenser microphone offers a variety of pickup patterns and can be mounted to a boom if you need to free up some space on your desk.

From The Verge