air conditioning

[air kuhn-dish-uh-ning]

noun

1. a system or process for controlling the temperature, humidity, and sometimes the purity of the air in an interior, as of an office, theater, laboratory, or house, especially one capable of cooling.

2. an air-conditioning system or unit.

air conditioning

noun

1. a system or process for controlling the temperature and sometimes the humidity and purity of the air in a house, etc

Other Word Forms

• air-conditioning adjective
• air conditioner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of air conditioning¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

And poorer people are more likely to live in aging buildings without duct systems or air conditioning units.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Canoga Park outing, about two dozen volunteers sat around a table in a Starbucks, resting in the air conditioning.

From Los Angeles Times

Those without air conditioning should take cool showers or baths, use their stoves and ovens less and visit a place that does have air conditioning, such as a library or mall.

From Los Angeles Times

A summer of soaring temperatures has come to an end with more Britons turning to air conditioning to cope with the heat - but should you buy one too?

From BBC

With air conditioning blasting all night, detainees have told her the floor is cold and they have gotten sick.

From Los Angeles Times