compressibility

[ kuhm-pres-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural com·press·i·bil·i·ties

1. the quality or state of being compressible.
2. Physics. the reciprocal of the bulk modulus, equal to the ratio of the fractional change in volume to the stress applied to a body.

compressibility

/ kəmˌprɛsɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the ability to be compressed
2. physics the reciprocal of the bulk modulus; the ratio of volume strain to stress at constant temperature k

Other Words From

• noncom·pressi·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compressibility¹

First recorded in 1685–95; compressible ( def ) + -ity

Example Sentences

Bhamla’s team explored the variables within this system, like friction and compressibility between the fingertips.

From Popular-Science

Because of that compressibility, for neutron stars, more mass doesn’t necessarily translate to a larger diameter.

From Science News

This can be done in varying degrees with all solids, but liquids, generally, have little compressibility.

From Project Gutenberg

Piezometer, pī-e-zom′e-tėr, n. an instrument for measuring the compressibility of liquids.

From Project Gutenberg

Some limits are necessarily imposed upon this compressibility of working effort.

From Project Gutenberg

Mention three illustrations of the compressibility and expansibility of air that you know from your own experience.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidence of compressibility of gases and incompressibility of liquids.

From Project Gutenberg