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

Perfect for my mermaid dress, just the right amount of compression. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2024

Should Tesla only manage a low single digit increase over Q1 of 2023, Tesla risks becoming a growth stock minus the growth—a toxic combination that could result in severe multiple compression as fewer investors are willing to pay 60 times earnings to own a company mired in stagnation. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024

Postpartum underwear can help alleviate your pain by providing targeted compression around your abdomen or a dedicated pocket to place a warm or cold compress. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024

The brand sells both everyday compression socks (15-20 mmHg) and medical compression socks (20-30 mmHg). —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024

This alleviates a once-common issue where the luff tape or bolt rope on large sailing yachts became chaffed by the compression of the battens, which often caused the in-boom furling mainsails to fail. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024

Additionally, swimsuits with compression and tummy control can shape the body. —Bianca Lambert, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024

That’s because chest compressions keep blood flowing — however sluggishly, however minimally — to the brain. —Helen Ouyang, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024

These pieces were intentionally designed with double-layered tricot compression zones strategically placed on the waist and stomach to smooth and cinch your curves. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 27 Mar. 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