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
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
The medical team did a total code: chest compressions, intubation, everything.
—
Jordan Greene, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
After almost a minute, Karr entered the room and gave Pike chest compressions while White worked to remove the cuffs.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Stability is created simply with geometry: the wide midsole foam has cut-out grooves along the outside to allow more compression and is filled in under the arch to limit the squish and provide more support.
—Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025
When that pain occurs, Holmstrom says basic treatments such as compression with a knee sleeve, elevation and applying ice and heat are all proven to help reduce inflammation.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compression
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Jordan Greene, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
After almost a minute, Karr entered the room and gave Pike chest compressions while White worked to remove the cuffs.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Stability is created simply with geometry: the wide midsole foam has cut-out grooves along the outside to allow more compression and is filled in under the arch to limit the squish and provide more support.
—Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025
When that pain occurs, Holmstrom says basic treatments such as compression with a knee sleeve, elevation and applying ice and heat are all proven to help reduce inflammation.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compression
Cite this Entry
“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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