catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Condenser \Con*dens"er\, n.
     1. One who, or that which, condenses.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Physic)
        (a) An instrument for condensing air or other elastic
            fluids, consisting of a cylinder having a movable
            piston to force the air into a receiver, and a valve
            to prevent its escape.
        (b) An instrument for concentrating electricity by the
            effect of induction between conducting plates
            separated by a nonconducting plate.
        (c) A lens or mirror, usually of short focal distance,
            used to concentrate light upon an object.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Chem.) An apparatus for receiving and condensing the
        volatile products of distillation to a liquid or solid
        form, by cooling.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Steam Engine) An apparatus, separate from the cylinder,
        in which the exhaust steam is condensed by the action of
        cold water or air. See Illust. of Steam engine.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Achromatic condenser (Optics), an achromatic lens used as a
        condenser.
  
     Bull's-eye condenser, or Bull's-eye (Optics), a lens of
        short focal distance used for concentrating rays of light.
        
  
     Injection condenser, a vessel in which steam is condensed
        by the direct contact of water.
  
     Surface condenser, an apparatus for condensing steam,
        especially the exhaust of a steam engine, by bringing it
        into contact with metallic surface cooled by water or air.
        [1913 Webster]

  
  
     3. (Chem.) An apparatus for receiving and condensing the
        volatile products of distillation to a liquid or solid
        form, by cooling.
  
     4. (Steam Engine) An apparatus, separate from the cylinder,
        in which the exhaust steam is condensed by the action of
        cold water or air. See Illust. of Steam engine.
  
     Achromatic condenser (Optics), an achromatic lens used as a
        condenser.
  
     Bull's-eye condenser, or Bull's-eye (Optics), a lens of
        short focal distance used for concentrating rays of light.
        
  
     Injection condenser, a vessel in which steam is condensed
        by the direct contact of water.
  
     Surface condenser, an apparatus for condensing steam,
        especially the exhaust of a steam engine, by bringing it
        into contact with metallic surface cooled by water or air.