compression

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noun com·pres·sion \ kəm-ˈpre-shən \

Definition of compression

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

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compressional

play \kəm-ˈpresh-nəl, -ˈpre-shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See compression defined for kids

Examples of compression in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of compression from the Web

The first blast of laser would heat and compress the sample, while a second would greatly accelerate the compression without raising the temperature as much as earlier attempts.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Conditions like those inside Neptune cause diamond formation," 27 Aug. 2017
In addition, compression stockings can help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins.

— idahostatesman, "Tips for using compression stockings," 20 Aug. 2017
Switch and hold the infant face up, using two fingers to give five chest compressions at the center of the infant's breastbone.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Toddler Chokes on Grape — Now, His Family Is Begging Others to Learn First Aid," 17 Aug. 2017
Rivals, though, fought back with their own compression wear and kicked off a price war.

— aaron gregg, chicagotribune.com, "Under Armour ﬂexes pivot foot as market evolves," 7 Aug. 2017
The body is desensitized with towel rubs, vibration, touch, compression and fanning, Sherry says.

— sarah vander schaaff, Washington Post, "The strange pain that can overcome kids, especially high-achieving teenage girls," 6 Aug. 2017
For those who want to leave room to bring back souvenirs, compression bags can be a game-changer: Flight 001’s Spacepaks are two-sided to keep clean and soiled clothes separated.

— jane sung, Teen Vogue, "How to Pack Any Bag in 15 Minutes," 20 July 2017
On Wednesday, exactly two months later, Karns will undergo surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome, a neurogenic condition caused by the compression of nerves near the neck and shoulder.

— rustin dodd, kansascity, "Royals’ Nathan Karns to undergo season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome," 15 July 2017
Injecting the gas back into Point Thomson is costly, requiring a lot of compression, Myers said.

— alex demarban, Alaska Dispatch News, "Under settlement, ExxonMobil proposes more oil production at Point Thomson field," 15 July 2017

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.

First Known Use of compression

15th century

compression Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

decompression, expansion

Related Words

abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), curtailment, shortening; concentration, consolidation; simplification, streamlining; decreasing, diminishment, lessening

Near Antonyms

dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering; distension (or distention), inflation, swelling

COMPRESSION Defined for Kids

compression

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noun com·pres·sion \ kəm-ˈpre-shən \

Definition of compression for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

compression

play

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

Learn More about compression

See words that rhyme with compression Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compression Spanish Central: Translation of compression Nglish: Translation of compression for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of compression for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compression

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compression

Definition of compression

compressional

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Examples of compression in a Sentence

Recent Examples of compression from the Web

First Known Use of compression

compression Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

COMPRESSION Defined for Kids

compression

Definition of compression for Students

Medical Dictionary

compression

medical Definition of compression

Learn More about compression

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