condensed matter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “condensed matter” mean?
A term for states of matter where particles are densely packed and strongly interacting, primarily referring to solids and liquids.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term for states of matter where particles are densely packed and strongly interacting, primarily referring to solids and liquids.
The branch of physics that studies the physical properties of condensed phases of matter, such as solids and liquids, where particles are closely packed and exhibit collective phenomena.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is identical in both variants.
Connotations
In both regions, it carries the same precise, scientific connotation. It is not used metaphorically in everyday language.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and confined to scientific contexts in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “condensed matter” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + condensed mattercondensed matter + [Noun (physics/theory/system)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condensed matter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gas condensed to form a solid.
American English
- The vapor condensed into a liquid.
adverb
British English
- The report was written condensedly to fit the page limit.
American English
- He explained the theory condensedly in his abstract.
adjective
British English
- He is a condensed matter physicist.
American English
- She works in the condensed matter field.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary domain. Refers to the physics sub-discipline, e.g., 'She has a PhD in condensed matter physics.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when discussing advanced physics.
Technical
Core term. Used in research papers, conference titles, and academic job descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “condensed matter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “condensed matter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condensed matter”
- Using it as an adjective alone (e.g., 'a condensed material' is possible but different).
- Confusing it with 'condensed milk' in everyday contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it includes both solids and liquids—any state where particles are densely packed and strongly interacting.
Almost never. It is a highly technical term. Using it outside of physics would likely cause confusion.
Solid-state physics focuses primarily on solids, while condensed matter physics is broader, encompassing solids, liquids, and other dense phases like liquid crystals and Bose-Einstein condensates.
It derives from the idea that these states are formed by condensing (bringing together) particles from a more diffuse state (like a gas) into a dense, interacting collection.
A term for states of matter where particles are densely packed and strongly interacting, primarily referring to solids and liquids.
Condensed matter is usually technical/scientific in register.
Condensed matter: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdenst ˈmætə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdenst ˈmætər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONDENSED' as making a gas into a liquid (condensing), and 'MATTER' as physical stuff. Condensed matter is the 'squeezed-together' physical stuff (solids/liquids) that physicists study.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'SOCIAL' or 'COLLECTIVE' system where individual particles (like people) interact strongly, leading to emergent group behaviors (like superconductivity or magnetism).
Practice
Quiz
'Condensed matter' most directly contrasts with which of the following states?