Compress

/kəmˈprɛs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a device or tool used to apply pressure to something, typically to reduce its size or volume.

The mechanic used a compress to fix the dent in the car.

verb

to press or squeeze together or into a smaller space; to reduce in size.

She used a vacuum sealer to compress the clothes in the suitcase.

to condense or reduce in magnitude or amount.

The writer was asked to compress the lengthy report into a summary.

in computing, to reduce the size of a file by encoding it in a more efficient way.

The software can compress large images without losing quality.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'compressus', past participle of 'comprimere', from 'com-' (altogether) + 'premere' (to press).

compress data

To reduce the size of digital information.

compress file

To create a smaller version of a digital file.

compress a spring

To push together the coils of a spring to store potential energy.

compression

The act or process of compressing.

compressor

A device that compresses gases.

To pack or make something smaller.

I had to compress my entire life into one suitcase for the trip.

To rush or hurry through something.

We need to compress the schedule to fit everything in.