Compression
/kəmˈprɛʃ.ən/noun
The act of pressing something into a smaller space or volume.
Did you know?In Latin, the root behind compression also gave English words like *press*, *oppress*, and *impress* — all built on the ancient image of force being driven onto something.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
compressiō
“A pressing together; a squeezing or crowding into a smaller space.”
Late Latin
Latin
compressus
“Pressed together, tightly packed.”
Old French
Old French
compression
“A pressing together; a reduction in bulk.”
14th–15th Century
English
compression
“The act of pressing or squeezing together.”
Modern English
English
compression
“The process of making something smaller by pressure or force.”