From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcompresscom‧press1 /kəmˈpres/ verb 1 [intransitive, transitive]PRESS to press something or make it smaller so that it takes up less space, or to become smaller Light silk is best for parachutes, as it compresses well and then expands rapidly. Isobel nodded, her lips compressed.compress something into something Snow falling on the mountainsides is compressed into ice. The miners used rock drills and compressed air to drive through hard rock.2 [intransitive, transitive] to make a computer file smaller by using a special computer program, which makes the file easier to store or send, or to become smaller in this way The program compresses any data saved to the disk.3 [transitive]SHORT/NOT LONG to write or express something using fewer words SYN condensecompress something into something In this chapter we compress into summary form the main issues discussed so far.4 [transitive]SHORT/NOT LONG to reduce the amount of time that it takes for something to happen or be donecompress something into something Many couples want to compress their childbearing into a short space of time in their married life. —compressible adjective —compression /-ˈpreʃən/ noun [uncountable] data compression→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
compress• Scuba divers used cylinders of compressed air.• The bags were fitted with brass nozzles and taps, and when in use were compressed between hinged and weighted boards.• This program compresses computer files so they can be easily sent by email.• Clusters could then compress data for the next layer.• The play has been compressed from a huge book.• If the onset of such diseases can be delayed then morbidity will be compressed into the final years of life.• The whole operation had been compressed into the virtual reality of Macintosh.• Some files compress more easily than others.• Behind the factory is a machine that compresses old cars into blocks of scrap metal.• Next, the compressor in the outdoor unit compresses the gas into a hot high-pressure state.compressed air• His flying saucer, however, is made of glass fibre and runs on compressed air.• There was a click and a hiss of compressed air as their pursuer reloaded.• Doctors examining miners working under compressed air conditions remark on their fitness.• Boy larking with compressed air line. 38.• The cash flow was regulated by an incredibly ancient compressed air system.• A firm in Maidenhead designed an hydraulically operated bar stool with a large base housing a compressed air tank.• Application Have the students work in groups to brainstorm all the examples of compressed air they can.compresscom‧press2 /ˈkɒmpres $ ˈkɑːm-/ noun [countable] MHa small thick piece of material that you put on part of someone’s body to stop blood flowing out or to make it less painfulcold/hot compress Apply a cold compress to the injury.Examples from the Corpus
compress• The engine's efficiency depends on the effective compression of gas in all its cylinders.• Apply cold compresses and take aspirin or another nonprescription pain reliever if necessary, says KleinSchwartz.• For recent injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings, inflammation and headaches, cold compresses are recommended.• Mud-Pony-Boy healed the horse with loving care and herbal compresses for the injured foot.• Other doctors were putting compresses of saline solution on the worst burns.• Her hand touched the compress on his head tentatively.• The compresses can be used hot or cold according to the condition being treated.cold/hot compress• For a cold compress, use exactly the same method, but with icy cold water.• She said that putting him on bute straight away would reduce the inflammation and alternate hot and cold compresses would also help.• Apply cold compresses and take aspirin or another nonprescription pain reliever if necessary, says KleinSchwartz.• For recent injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings, inflammation and headaches, cold compresses are recommended.• He came back with the basin of cold water and put more cold compresses on her ankle.• Why were there no hot compresses on his limbs?• Cold or hot compresses and/or a gentle massage may bring some relief.• Abscesses can be hastened to burst by fermenting the swollen painful area with hot compresses.From Longman Business Dictionarycompresscom‧press /kəmˈpres/ verb [transitive] COMPUTING to make a computer file smaller, so that it takes up less space and is easier to store or sendCompressing data reduces storage and communication costs. → compare decompress→ See Verb tableOrigin compress1 (1300-1400) Late Latin compressare “to press hard”, from Latin comprimere “to compress”, from com- ( → COM-) + premere “to press” compress2 (1500-1600) French compresse, from compresser “to compress”, from Late Latin compressare; → COMPRESS1 