kəmˈpreshən noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English compressioun, from Latin compression-, compressio, from compressus (past participle of comprimere to compress) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or action of compressing:
a. : restraining , repressing
a stern compression of all emotion
b. : condensing, concentrating
the poet's compression of form and content
c.
(1) : the process of compressing the working substance in a heat engine (as the fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal-combustion engine prior to the explosion)
(2) : compression ratio
d. : passage of larval stages within the egg whether due to accelerated development or to prolongation of the period preceding hatching
e. : subjection of a workman to compressed air in an air lock before he goes into a caisson to work
2. : the quality or state of being compressed, pressed in, together, or upon or of being concentrated or condensed
the compressions of tyranny
a novel showing admirable compression of phrase and idea
3. : the result of being compressed: as
a. : indentation , hollow , dent ; especially : the effect of a compressive force upon a body part
compression of an artery by forceps
compression of the brain by the bones in a depressed fracture
b. : fossil plant remains that have been somewhat flattened by the vertical pressure of overlying strata
c.
(1) : the shortening produced in a body by a longitudinal compressive force (as a load applied to a short column)
(2) : this shortening per unit of length
(3) : fractional decrease of volume due to pressure
(4) : compressive stress
d. : the reduction of the volume range of an incoming radio signal whether purposely in order to counteract signal fading or distortion or because of some defect in the circuit