compression

noun

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com·pres·sion | \ kəm-ˈpre-shən

\

Definition of compression

1a : 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

Other Words from compression Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about compression

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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 These high-resolution sensors detect the change in resistance when force is applied by measuring compression—this is different then Sentons’ tech, which measures strain. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired, "Get Ready for More Phones With No Buttons," 14 Jan. 2020 The blend of nylon, moisture-wicking merino wool, and Lycra spandex flexes with your foot and offers slight compression from the lower calf down to the arch while still providing maximum comfort. — Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, "Sleep Soundly Under the Stars with the Nemo Rave," 29 Dec. 2019 For those long flights, get some compression socks to keep your feet from swelling up. — Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, "Top 10 gift ideas for the travelers on your holiday shopping list," 14 Dec. 2019 That's not to say that salary compression is anything new. — Anne Fisher, Fortune, "Why New Hires at Your Company Are Getting High Pay but Older Employees Aren’t Getting Raises," 9 Dec. 2019 Bob, a white American compression socks salesman played by Billy Gardell, is in business with relatives. — Leanne Italie, chicagotribune.com, "Folake Olowofoyeku hearts life in the television comedy lane," 21 Sep. 2019 Like compression socks, tight skin aids circulation by squeezing blood vessels and helping regulate blood pressure. — National Geographic, "Unique anatomy sets giraffe apart in the animal kingdom," 20 Sep. 2019 Bob, a white American compression socks salesman played by Billy Gardell, is in business with relatives. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Folake Olowofoyeku hearts life in the television comedy lane," 19 Sep. 2019 Given how much is covered in September (get your canoe paddles and compression socks ASAP!), December’s list is much shorter. — Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, "Everything you need to buy before new US tariffs hit Chinese products," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compression.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near compression

compressibility effect

Statistics for compression

Last Updated

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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More Definitions for compression

compression

noun

com·pres·sion | \ kəm-ˈpre-shən

\

Kids Definition of compression

: the act, process, or result of pressing something together

compression

noun

com·pres·sion | \ kəm-ˈpresh-ən

\

Medical Definition of compression

: 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

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