decondenses

Decondense is a verb used in some scientific contexts to denote the reverse of condensation: the transition of matter from a condensed phase (such as a liquid or solid) to a less condensed or gaseous state. The noun form decondensation is sometimes used, and decondenses is the third-person singular present tense.

Because condensation and decondensation pertain to phase behavior, decondensation can occur through several mechanisms, most commonly energy input (heating) or pressure decrease. In surface science, decondensation may refer to desorption, the release of adsorbed molecules from a surface when thermal energy is applied. In atmospheric science, the term can describe evaporation or sublimation of condensed droplets and ice crystals as they lose density and disperse.

Examples include evaporation of water from a dew drop, sublimation of solid carbon dioxide at room temperature, and degassing of a polymer film where volatiles migrate out of the solid matrix. In each case, the system moves toward a less condensed state, with increases in volume and often an increase in mixing or dispersal.

Because “decondense” is not a standard term across many disciplines, many authors prefer more precise terms such as evaporation, desorption, sublimation, degassing, or dissolution depending on the context. The term is more likely to appear in metaphorical or informal usage or in niche literature.

See also: Condensation, Evaporation, Sublimation, Desorption, Degassing.