noun

condensation

kahn-den-SAY-shuhn/ˌkɑːndenˈseɪʃn/

The process of making something denser or more compact.

The glass shows condensation as water vapor becomes denser liquid droplets.

Clear droplets form on the OUTSIDE of a cold drinking glass containing ice, with a few beads running down to the table; liquid from cooling airborne vapor, no leaking glass.

Etymology

conLatinwith, together; perhaps adds emphasis

+densLatinto make thick

+ationLatinaction or result

The thickening root, with a perhaps intensive prefix, gives the idea of becoming denser. This became the term for vapor turning into liquid, and the water droplets take their name from that process.

In context

St Mary's University, London5:54

but whenever you have hot water sorry hot air a meeting cold air you have this condensation of droplets of water we call that cloud

Physics Cafe: How Cool is That!?

More examples

The lecture needs some condensation to fit the available time.
Condensation turns water vapor into droplets on the cold window.
Her condensation of the story preserves its humor while cutting details.

Forms

condensation

condense verb — To make denser or more compact.

Similar words

compression: Often emphasizes applied pressure or reducing size and volume.
compaction: Specifically describes packing material tightly into less space.
abridgment: Specifically describes shortening written or spoken material by omission.