# compressed

/kəmˈpɹɛst/ (US) · /kəmpɹˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/compressed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. squeezed together

adjective · CEFR B2

pressed tightly together so that it takes up less space.

For teachers: reduced in volume or size by the application of external pressure.

- The machine produces blocks of compressed rubbish that are easier to transport.
- The geological layers consisted of compressed sediment that had hardened over millions of years into solid rock.

### 2. digital files

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

a computer file that has been made smaller so it is easier to send or store.

For teachers: subjected to data compression algorithms to reduce file size for storage or transmission efficiency.

- You need to unzip the compressed folder before you can see the photos.
- Sending the high-resolution images as a compressed archive ensured the email did not exceed the recipient's attachment limit.

## Examples

- The machine turns old cars into compressed blocks of metal.
- You should send the files in a compressed folder so the email is not too large.
- The geological layers consist of compressed sediment that has hardened into rock over millions of years of tectonic pressure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.