compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce compression (audio)
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 How to pronounce compression (audio)
-ˈpre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

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 Used by Graf in 1988 to win the Golden Slam, the injection molding pushed compression molding of graphite by the wayside for the time being. Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 With the urinary system, spinal cord compression can cause difficulty beginning urination, a weak urine stream, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. Julie Scott, Msn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 Mizuho initiates Kodiak Gas at outperform Mizuho says the nat gas compression contractor is seeing aggressive growth. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2024 To perform a mammogram, one breast is placed on a hard surface, and a plastic compression paddle then holds the breast in place with pressure before automatically lifting up and away from the breast. Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compression 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of compression was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compression

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

compression

noun
com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce compression (audio)
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 adjective

Medical Definition

compression

noun
com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce compression (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on compression

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