compression

[ kuhm-presh-uhn ]

noun

1. the act of compressing:

   When performing CPR, give 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

2. the state of being compressed, or the effect, result, or consequence of being compressed:

   Compression of the nerves can lead to tingling and numbness farther down the arm.

3. (in internal-combustion engines) the reduction in volume and increase of pressure of the air or combustible mixture in the cylinder prior to ignition, produced by the motion of the piston toward the cylinder head after intake.
4. Also called data compression. Computers. reduction of the storage space required for data by changing its format.

adjective

1. Computers. relating to the process of reducing the storage space required for data by changing its format:

   Experiments show that this approach can effectively improve the compression ratio of existing codes.

2. being or relating to a type of medical garment that provides pressure and support, reduces swelling, promotes circulation, holds tissue in place, etc.:

   Ask your doctor if compression stockings would help the swelling in your legs.

   After surgery, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment.

   Compression sleeves are an important part of lymphedema management.

compression

/ kəmˈprɛʃən /

noun

1. Also calledcompressurekəmˈprɛʃə the act of compressing or the condition of being compressed
2. an increase in pressure of the charge in an engine or compressor obtained by reducing its volume

compression

/ kəm-prĕsh′ən /

1. A force that tends to shorten or squeeze something, decreasing its volume.
2. The degree to which a substance has decreased in size (in volume, length, or some other dimension) after being or while being subject to stress.
3. See also strain
4. The re-encoding of data (usually the binary data used by computers) into a form that uses fewer bits of information than the original data. Compression is often used to speed the transmission of data such as text or visual images, or to minimize the memory resources needed to store such data.

compression

1. See data compression .

Other Words From

• com·pres·sion·al adjective
• non·com·pres·sion noun
• o·ver·com·pres·sion noun
• pre·com·pres·sion noun
• su·per·com·pres·sion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compression¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin compressiōn-, stem of compressiō; equivalent to compress + -ion

Example Sentences

It has a padded heel and toe for comfort and protection as well as a compression band around the arch area to keep the sock securely in place.

From Los Angeles Times

If a patient went into cardiac arrest or stopped breathing, it would mean they should not be given chest compressions or defibrillation to try to save their life.

From BBC

It means medical staff will not attempt chest compressions or defibrillation, where an electric shock is applied to restore normal heart rhythm, if the patient's heart or breathing stops.

From BBC

Chief financial officer John Lawler said the firm was adjusting its plans in response to "pricing and margin compression".

From BBC

He is working around the clock with ice and compression to keep the swelling down.

From Los Angeles Times