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 company continues to focus on expanding its compression services in unconventional resource plays across the U.S., with capital expenditures planned between $158 million and $182 million for 2025. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 11 Feb. 2025

Their compression is also flattering for my backside and thighs since the thick fabric provides a subtle lift that accentuates my curves. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Vapor compression refrigeration—the method still most often found in cars, buildings, and factories—is commonly used to meet these cooling demands. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025

An Ayurvedic doctor tailors programs toward individual guest needs by tapping into practices from Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Chinese acupuncture, and reflexology, combined with 20th-century treatments like compression boots and gold-leaf facials. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 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