Meaning & Definition
noun
A formal agreement or contract between two or more parties.
The nations entered into a compact to promote trade and cooperation.
A small case or container, often used for makeup.
She pulled out her compact to check her lipstick before the meeting.
verb
To pack closely together.
They compacted the soil to prepare it for planting.
adjective
Closely packed together; dense.
The compact design of the car makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic.
Having little or no space between individual parts.
The compact arrangement of the furniture maximized the space in the small apartment.
Small in size or amount; efficient.
He carried a compact umbrella that fit easily in his bag.
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin compactus, past participle of compingere to piece together.
Common Phrases and Expressions
compact disc:
A digital optical disc storage format.
compact car:
A small car designed for efficiency.
compact fluorescent lamp:
A type of energy-saving light bulb.
Slang Meanings
In slang use, 'compact' refers to something that is efficiently designed or small in size.
That phone is so compact; I can easily carry it in my pocket.