Meaning of compress in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /kəmˈprɛs/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    compress

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French compresser or late Latin compressare, frequentative of Latin comprimere, from com-‘together’ + premere‘to press’; or directly from compress-‘pressed together’, from the verb comprimere

    Definitions

    1. make more compact by or as if by pressing

    Examples

    • « compress the data »

    Antonyms

    Derived terms

  2. 2. squeeze or press together

    Examples

    • « she compressed her lips »
    • « the spasm contracted the muscle »

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    compress

    Definitions

    1. a cloth pad or dressing (with or without medication) applied firmly to some part of the body (to relieve discomfort or reduce fever)

Famous quotes

  • « The chess player who develops the ability to play two dozen boards at a time will benefit from learning to compress his or her analysis into less time. »
    Marilyn vos Savant

Browse dictionary