consolidation

The process of joining things together or making something stronger and more secure.

• The industry is undergoing consolidation.
• The leader focused on the consolidation of power.
• Further consolidation could leave customers with fewer choices.

How to use it: consolidation of something (The merger led to the consolidation of several businesses.)

Similar words: unification, strengthening

Opposites: fragmentation

Common phrases: industry consolidation, consolidation of power, market consolidation

Joining several separate court cases so they are dealt with together as one case.

• The judge ordered consolidation of the cases.
• Consolidation allowed both claims to be heard at one trial.
• The lawyers opposed consolidation because the actions involved different facts.

How to use it: consolidation of cases/actions (The judge approved consolidation of the two cases.)

Similar words: joinder

Common phrases: consolidation of actions, case consolidation, order consolidation

Becoming a firm, dense mass, especially when lung tissue loses air and fills with fluid or other material.

• The scan showed lung consolidation.
• Pneumonia caused consolidation in the lower part of her lung.
• The doctor found several areas of consolidation on the chest image.

Similar words: solidification

Common phrases: lung consolidation, pulmonary consolidation, areas of consolidation