condenser

/kənˈdɛnsər/
noun
  1. A device that cools gas or vapor and turns it into a liquid.
    • The air conditioner's condenser sits outside the house and releases heat.
    • The lab technician cleaned the glass condenser after the experiment.
    • In a distillery, the condenser turns alcohol vapor back into liquid.
  2. A device that stores electrical energy, also called a capacitor.
    • He replaced the faulty condenser in the circuit board.
    • The condenser in the flash unit stores energy for the bright burst of light.
    • The old radio used a large condenser to smooth out the electrical current.
  3. A lens or mirror that focuses light, especially in a projector or microscope.
    • The microscope's condenser focuses light onto the slide for a clearer image.
    • He adjusted the condenser to improve the brightness of the projected image.
    • A good condenser lens is essential for sharp photographs in a darkroom.
Synonyms