from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]