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

The jury’s still out on whether compression socks actually protect your muscles from damage during a hard effort. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

His death was ruled a homicide by compression of the neck. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

This backpack has a long list of features that sets it over the top, from its many storage compartments and discrete pockets to its dual clamshell opening to its external compression straps to its cushioned air-flow back panel and padded straps. —Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

The New York City chief medical examiner’s office found that Neely died from compression to his neck as a result of the chokehold, and the manner was homicide. —Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 21 Oct. 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