v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. squeeze together.
2 bring into a smaller space or shorter extent.
--n. a pad of lint etc. pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
compressed air air at more than atmospheric pressure.
Derivatives:
compressible adj. compressibility n. compressive adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF compresser or LL compressare frequent. of L comprimere compress- (as COM-, premere press)