condenser
UK/kәn'densә/US
TOEFLC2
Definitions
n.
A device that cools vapor back into liquid (as in a fridge or power plant)
冷凝器（如冰箱、电厂中将蒸汽变回液体的装置）
n.
(electrical, older term) a capacitor, a component that stores charge
（电学旧称）电容器
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcondense + -er (the thing that does it) = a device that condenses. Literally the part of a fridge or engine that turns vapor back to liquid. The electrical sense (an old name for a capacitor) comes by analogy: it 'packs together' an electric charge. You'll still hear 'condenser mic,' which uses a capacitor.
Root dens still carries 5 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
The fridge stopped cooling because the condenser was clogged with dust.
- 2.
A condenser microphone picks up far more detail than a cheap one.