condenser

American  

[kuhn-den-ser] / kənˈdɛn sər /

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.

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condenser British  

/ 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

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condenser Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• intercondenser noun

Etymology

Origin of condenser

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

Example Sentences

The outdoor condenser unit needs regular attention to keep your system in top shape.

From Seattle Times

Using a refrigerant in condenser coils makes heat-pump dryers at least 28 percent more energy-efficient than standard dryers, according to the federal Energy Star program.

From Washington Post

This creates a closed-loop cooling system, reducing costs as no energy is needed to move the liquid around the tank, and no chiller is needed for the condenser either.

From The Verge

They do look a bit like microphones — specifically, the long, skinny condenser microphones that are frequently positioned above drum sets in recording studios.

From Washington Post

Though a condenser microphone is by no means a bad type of microphone, it is more delicate and sensitive to background noises and rumbles.

From The Verge