I. kəmˈpres verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English compressen, from Late Latin compressare, from Latin compressus, past participle of comprimere to compress, from com- + -primere (from premere to press) — more at press
transitive verb
: to reduce the volume, size, duration, density, or degree of concentration of by or as if by pressure: as
a. : to make (an opening or the inner capacity of) smaller : constrict , close
compress a severed artery
b.
(1) : to press together : squeeze
compress a bundle under one's arm
his lips were … compressed by thought — Thomas Hardy
(2) obsolete : embrace
c. : to make hard or solid
the lint is then blown into the press and compressed into bales — American Guide Series: Tennessee
d. : repress , restrain
compress an angry mob
the culprit … sat compressing hysterics before him — George Meredith
e. : to reduce the volume of by pressure
compress air
f. : condense
compress much thought into few words
the government … compressed into less than five years … what might have otherwise taken a generation — F.L.Allen
g. : to make smaller in size
when the bird drops it immediately squats and compresses its plumage — W.F.Brown b.1903
the gunman compressed his body against the shadowy wall
h. : to subject (a workman) to compression in an air lock
intransitive verb
: to undergo compression
if plates are mounted on wood blocks, these blocks may compress a great deal under pressure — Theory & Practice of Presswork
Synonyms: see contract
II. ˈkämˌpres noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare
1.
a. : a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing
b. : a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)
2. : a machine for compressing cotton bales as they come from the gin