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

Medical imaging, such as a bone density scan and spinal X-rays, can help confirm osteoporosis and detect compression fractures. —Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024

Feynman’s Vision and Its Parallels to Today’s AI While Richard Feynman focused on manipulating matter at atomic levels, his ideas on compression, precision, and learning from biological systems bear striking parallels to AI’s evolution. —Gerui Wang, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Wear compression garments: These specialized socks, pantyhose, or abdominal binders can help prevent blood from pooling and help blood return to your heart more easily when standing. —Heidi Cope, Health, 6 Nov. 2024

Lastly, sentiment is turning negative on Microsoft ahead of its fiscal first-quarter earnings report thanks to fears of ramping capital expenditures, lack of visibility in artificial-intelligence revenue and gross margin compression, analyst Keith Weiss said. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 19 Oct. 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