noun
compression
kuhm-PREHSH-uhn
noun
1
The act of pressing something together, or the state of being pressed together.
"The bandage applies gentle compression to reduce swelling."
2
(mechanics) The stage in an engine's cycle where the fuel-air mixture is squeezed before ignition.
"A loss of compression can cause an engine to run poorly."
3
(computing) The process of reducing the size of a digital file.
"Image compression allows web pages to load faster."
How to Use Compression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act or result of squeezing something, whether physically, mechanically, or digitally.
Common pairings
file compression
engine compression
compression bandage
Word Forms
compressions plural
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The bandage applies gentle _____ to reduce swelling.
Etymology
From Latin compressio, from comprimere — see "compress."