Meaning & use
compression
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
The act or process of pressing something so it takes up less space.
Grammar: No plural; used as a mass noun.
Patterns
- compression of something
- under compression
The compression of the spring stores energy.
The engine works by the compression of air and fuel.
The material can withstand high compression.
noununcountablecomputing
In computing, the process of reducing the size of a file or data.
Grammar: No plural; used as a mass noun.
Patterns
- data compression
- file compression
This image uses lossy compression, so some detail is lost.
ZIP files use compression to save space.
Compression can make a video file much smaller.
Common combinations
- data compression
- Data compression is essential for streaming video.
- lossless compression
- Lossless compression keeps all the original data intact.
- compression ratio
- The compression ratio shows how much the file size was reduced.
- under compression
- The bridge is designed to stay strong under compression.
Synonyms and how they differ
- condensation
- Often used for shortening text or gas turning to liquid; less common for physical pressing.
- squeezing
- More informal and physical; 'compression' is more technical.
Opposites
Word family
- compress verb
- To press or squeeze into a smaller space.
- compressible adjective
- Able to be compressed.
- compressor noun
- A machine that compresses air or gas.
Commonly confused: compression or compression?
compression vs compression
Sometimes confused with 'compunction', which means a feeling of guilt or regret; they sound similar but are unrelated.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'compression' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Compression' is a noun meaning the act of pressing or reducing size, so it fits in option A. Option B is nonsensical because books are not compressed in that way. Options C and D use 'compression' as a verb, which is incorrect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “compression”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.