noun
compression
kuhm-PRESH-uhn/kəmˈpreʃn/
Reduction of the space or range something occupies.
Compression squeezes the foam cushion into a much smaller space.
Etymology
“Press together” becomes the name of an action through the noun ending. Compression denotes both that squeezing process and the resulting state of being packed into a smaller space.
In context
The cables pull the deck into compression, providing stiffness and stability so it doesn’t sway and bounce.
More examples
- File compression reduces the storage space these documents need.
- Her compression of the report into one paragraph preserves its main points.
- Audio compression narrows the gap between the loudest and quietest sounds.
Forms
compression · compressions
compress verb — To squeeze into less space or range.
compressible adjective — Capable of being squeezed into less space.
Similar words
- compaction
- Emphasizes packing material tightly, often by removing air spaces.
- condensation
- For information, emphasizes shortening while retaining the main ideas.
- reduction
- Covers decreases in amount or size, not necessarily squeezing.