consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce consolidation (audio)
1
: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated
2
: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united
specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation
3
: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency
4
: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting
Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …John D. Rudoy et al.

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In some cases, joint spousal consolidation loans prevented borrowers from pursuing student loan forgiveness programs. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Changes to local broadcast ownership rules by the Trump administration gave way to a record level of local broadcast consolidation, which has helped local networks reduce costs through synergies. Sara Fischer, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 As a result, the area is especially rich in monasteries that, Dalla Ragione knew, had old gardens and orchards that had escaped the farm consolidations over the past half-century thanks to their isolated locations—and their unwillingness to sell their land to agribusiness. Mark Schapiro, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 There's a sense of powerlessness: Speaking with grocery workers across the country, there's a fear their industry is facing another wave of consolidation and cutbacks that threaten their work lives, their job security and even their place in the middle class. Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consolidation 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consolidation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near consolidation

Cite this Entry

“Consolidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolidation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun
con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce consolidation (audio)
1
: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts
pneumonic consolidation
also : tissue that has undergone consolidation
areas of consolidation
2
: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting
Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …John D. Rudoy et al.

More from Merriam-Webster on consolidation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!