compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpre-shən 

1

a

: the act, process, or result of compressing

b

: the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)

3

: the compressed remains of a fossil plant

4

: conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required

compressional

kəm-ˈpresh-nəl 

-ˈpre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• compacting
• compaction
• condensation
• condensing
• constricting
• constriction
• contracting
• contraction
• squeeze
• squeezing
• telescoping

Examples of compression in a Sentence

the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Recent Examples on the Web

This three-piece set of sculpting leggings, on sale for $31.99 on Amazon, smooths both the legs and the tummy while targeted compression creates dramatic definition under the rear end. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024

Their imperatives are not factual but musical: melody, catchiness, rhythm, compression, singability (or rapability). —Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024

The Blaze 60 is an award-winning pack that comes in at a cool three pounds (size regular) thanks to lightweight material choices like thin compression straps, small buckles, and a durable yet minimalistic 100-denier nylon fabric. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024

Users can adjust the compression and rebound of each shock as dictated by factors such as terrain and snow conditions. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed

2

: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

compressional

-(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən 

: the act, process, or result of compressing especially when involving a compressing force on a bodily part

compression of an artery by forceps

compression of the brain by the bones of a depressed fracture