Condenser definition
1. A small metal cylinder which is usually located in the distributor . It is installed between the breaker points and coil to prevent arcing at the breaker points by absorbing or storing the excess current . A condenser (also called a capacitor ) has the ability to absorb and retain surges of electricity. It is constructed of two metal plates separated by an insulator . 2. The unit in an air conditioning system that cools the hot compressed refrigerant and turns it from a vapor into a liquid. Also see steam engine .