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 While air travelers frequently sing their praises, especially for long flights, compression socks can prevent soreness during hikes, runs, or other exercise. — Popsci Commerce Team, Popular Science, "Compression socks to ease aches and support travel," 20 Jan. 2021 Treatment can vary but often involves hydration and exercise and wearing compression socks to help return blood to the heart from the legs. — al, "What is long COVID? UAB’s Dr. Michael Saag says some patients suffer for months," 31 Dec. 2020 As in the works of Helen Frankenthaler, this tension between flatness and depth give Jones’ paintings a sense of compression, with many layers being pressed into a shallow space. — Benjamin Lima, Dallas News, "Swallowed up by color: Gallery 12.26 scores with the abstract art of Rachel Jones," 10 Dec. 2020 The species, which can be found in Southern California’s woodlands, withstood compression of about 39,000 times its own weight. — NBC News, "How to build stronger materials? A 'diabolical' beetle offers clues," 21 Oct. 2020 Treatment can vary but often involves hydration and exercise and wearing compression socks to help return blood to the heart from the legs. — al, "What is long COVID? UAB’s Dr. Michael Saag says some patients suffer for months," 31 Dec. 2020 Sciatica can cause back and leg pain and is due to compression on nerve roots or on the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine down the thigh. — Fox News, "Pope Francis to skip New Year's Eve ceremonies due to back pain," 1 Jan. 2021 Treatment can vary but often involves hydration and exercise and wearing compression socks to help return blood to the heart from the legs. — al, "What is long COVID? UAB’s Dr. Michael Saag says some patients suffer for months," 31 Dec. 2020 Treatment can vary but often involves hydration and exercise and wearing compression socks to help return blood to the heart from the legs. — Meredith Cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Fatigue, loss of smell, organ damage: A range of symptoms plague many Marylanders long after COVID-19 infection," 30 Dec. 2020

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

23 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

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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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