■ verb kəm'prɛs
1》 flatten by pressure; squeeze into less space.
↘squeeze or press (two things) together.
↘[as adjective ~ed ] chiefly Biology having a narrow shape as if flattened, especially sideways.
2》 reduce the dynamic range of (a sound signal).
3》 Computing alter the form of (data) to reduce the amount of storage necessary.
■ noun 'kɒmprɛs a pad of absorbent material pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding.
Derivatives
~ibility -'bɪlɪti noun
~ible kəm'prɛsɪb(ə)l adjective
~ive kəm'prɛsɪv adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~er or late L. ~are , frequentative of L. ~- , comprimere .