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

PSSL: Many of PSSL’s Black Friday deals are for pro lighting and trussing, but one product in particular is worth noting: it’s offering the MXL Revelation Solo Tube Condenser Microphone for only $299.99.

From The Verge • Nov. 22, 2017

Air-minded citizens cannot yet buy airplanes, but they can buy assorted airplane seats, miscellaneous airplane wheels, electrically heated flying suits, fleece-lined boots or a Bendix Scintilla Vacuum Sealed Condenser.

From Time Magazine Archive

Yet there seemed to be some color in that familiar word as pronounced last week by William Dubilier, President of the Dubilier Condenser & Radio Corporation of New York.

From Time Magazine Archive

Remaining on same station, readjust station selector for maximum volume and readjust the Delco Syncro-Tuning Condenser unit for maximum output.

From Delco Manuals: Radio Model 633, Delcotron Generator Delco Radio Owner's Manual Model 633, Delcotron Generator Installation by Delco-Remy

Condenser lenses as made in this country are usually ground from the glass known as 'English Crown,' and comparatively rarely crack; but they are very slightly green in colour.

From Optical Projection Part 1: Projection of Lantern Slides by Wright, Lewis