Compression
kəmˈprɛʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of reducing the size or volume of something by applying pressure or force.
kəmˈprɛʃən
The act of compressing or the state of being compressed.
The scientist studied the compression of the material under extreme pressure.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're squeezing a sponge to get the water out. That's like compression – making something smaller by pushing it together. Like when you zip up your suitcase, you're compressing all your clothes!
👶 For kids: Making something smaller by squeezing it.
More Examples
Data compression allows us to store more files on a hard drive.
The patient experienced discomfort due to nerve compression.
How It's Used
"The compression of a gas increases its pressure."
"Image compression reduces file size."
"Compression bandages are used to reduce swelling."
The state of being pressed together, often resulting in a reduction of volume or an increase in density.
kəmˈprɛʃən
The state of being flattened or pressed together.
The sudden compression of the car's suspension caused the accident.
💡 Simply: It's like when you pack your suitcase super tight – everything's pressed together! That's also compression.
👶 For kids: When things are squished together.
More Examples
The device is designed to withstand high levels of compression.
Compression garments can improve blood flow.
How It's Used
"The engine suffered a loss of compression."
"Compression socks can improve circulation."
Idioms & expressions
compression ratio
The ratio of the volume of the cylinder in an internal combustion engine when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke to its volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke.
"The compression ratio of the engine determines its efficiency."
data compression
The process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation.
"Data compression algorithms are used to reduce the size of files."
From Latin *compressio*, from *comprimere* 'to press together', from *com-* (together) + *premere* (to press).
The term 'compression' has been used in various scientific and engineering fields since the 17th century, initially relating to the application of pressure and later to the reduction of data size in computing.
Memory tip
Think of pressing a sponge: compression makes it smaller.
Word Origin
"to press together"