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

Six compression packing cubes for your suitcase are also included. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025

The company explained the gross margin compression reflects things like incremental depreciation on new facilities, the impact of growth in newer products, and headwinds from the strong US dollar that’s hitting every multinational. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025

There are a wide variety of compression and vacuum bags available, but look for ones with these three features to save space and make packing a bit easier. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025

As Bitcoin's largest corporate holder, market movements have magnified effects in both directions - a dynamic clearly demonstrated by the stock's rapid premium compression from 180% to 90% during Bitcoin's recent pullback. —Roomy Khan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

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