compression

noun

com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce compression (audio)
1
a
: the act, process, or result of compressing
b
: the state of being compressed
2
: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine (as in an automobile)
3
: the compressed remains of a fossil plant
4
: conversion (as of data, a data file, or a communications signal) in order to reduce the space occupied or bandwidth required
compressional
kəm-ˈpresh-nəl How to pronounce compression (audio)
-ˈpre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of compression in a Sentence

the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Medical imaging, such as a bone density scan and spinal X-rays, can help confirm osteoporosis and detect compression fractures. Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Feynman’s Vision and Its Parallels to Today’s AI While Richard Feynman focused on manipulating matter at atomic levels, his ideas on compression, precision, and learning from biological systems bear striking parallels to AI’s evolution. Gerui Wang, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Wear compression garments: These specialized socks, pantyhose, or abdominal binders can help prevent blood from pooling and help blood return to your heart more easily when standing. Heidi Cope, Health, 6 Nov. 2024 Lastly, sentiment is turning negative on Microsoft ahead of its fiscal first-quarter earnings report thanks to fears of ramping capital expenditures, lack of visibility in artificial-intelligence revenue and gross margin compression, analyst Keith Weiss said. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compression 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compression was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compression

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compression. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

compression

noun
com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce compression (audio)
1
: the act, process, or result of compressing : the state of being compressed
2
: the process of compressing the fuel mixture in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
compressional adjective

Medical Definition

compression

noun
com·​pres·​sion kəm-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce compression (audio)
: the act, process, or result of compressing especially when involving a compressing force on a bodily part
compression of an artery by forceps
compression of the brain by the bones of a depressed fracture

More from Merriam-Webster on compression

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