Meaning & Definition of word "Compression"

Compression

/kəmˈprɛʃən/

noun:

  • 1. The act of reducing the volume or size of something, often through applying pressure.
    • Example: The compression of the data helped speed up the transmission over the network.
  • 2. The state of being compacted or made smaller.
    • Example: The compression of the foam made it easier to store.
  • 3. In medicine, the act of applying pressure to a body part, typically to control bleeding.
    • Example: The paramedic applied compression to the wound to stop the bleeding.
  • 4. In physics, the process by which the volume of an object is decreased under pressure.
    • Example: The compression of the gas increased its temperature.
  • 5. A technique in data handling that reduces the size of files.
    • Example: File compression is useful for saving disk space and speeding up downloads.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin compressio(n-), from comprimere ‘to press together’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

air compression:

A process where air is compressed to increase pressure.

data compression:

The reduction of data size for efficient storage or transmission.

compression socks:

Specialized socks designed to apply pressure to the legs.

Related Words

compress:

To press something into a smaller space.

compressed:

Having been made smaller or pressed together.

compressive:

Relating to the act of compression.

Slang Meanings of compression

Meaning: Getting compressed in or squeezed into a small space.

Example Sentence: That bus was so packed, we were all in serious compression.

Meaning: Feeling overwhelmed, as if under pressure.

Example Sentence: I've been feeling the compression with all these deadlines.