compression
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of pressing something so it becomes smaller or more solid.
the application of pressure to an object or substance to increase its density or reduce its volume.
Simple“The doctor applied a compression bandage to the athlete's swollen ankle.”
In context“The structural integrity of the bridge depends on the concrete's ability to withstand immense compression from the weight of the traffic above.”
UsageOften used in medical contexts like 'compression bandages' or physical contexts like 'soil compression'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
making a computer file smaller so it is easier to store or send.
the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation to save storage space or transmission time.
Simple“Without data compression, it would take much longer to download high-quality videos.”
In context“The software uses advanced lossless compression algorithms to ensure that no image detail is sacrificed during the archiving process.”
UsageCommonly used with 'lossy' or 'lossless' to describe the quality of the process.
- 03 C1 Advanced
a way of controlling sound so the loud parts are quieter and the quiet parts are louder.
the electronic process of reducing the dynamic range of an audio signal by controlling its gain.
Simple“The producer used compression on the vocals to make them sound more consistent.”
In context“Heavy compression was applied to the drum tracks to give the rock recording a more aggressive and punchy character.”
UsageUsually refers to 'dynamic range compression' in studio recording.
Teacher's tipThis is a very specific term in music production; learners might confuse it with file size reduction (MP3) unless the context is clear.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the part of an engine's movement where the fuel and air are squeezed together.
the phase of an internal combustion engine cycle in which the fuel-air mixture is compressed before ignition.
Simple“The mechanic checked the engine because it was losing compression and power.”
In context“A higher compression ratio in the cylinders generally leads to greater thermal efficiency and improved engine performance.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'compression stroke' or 'compression ratio'.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
when a planet or star is not a perfect circle because it is flattened at the top and bottom.
the measure of the deviation of a celestial body from a perfect sphere, typically due to rotation.
Simple“The rapid rotation of Jupiter causes a noticeable compression at its poles.”
In context“Astronomers calculated the polar compression of the planet to better understand its internal fluid dynamics and rotational velocity.”
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialised sense; 'flattening' is more common in general scientific discussion.
Synonymsflatteningoblateness
“Diabetes, viral infections and nerve compression are among the conditions that can lead to this type of pain.”
“Compression boots, massage guns and electrical stimulation devices are now marketed directly to recreational athletes, often with the promises of faster recovery or better performance.”
Borrowed from Middle French compression, from Latin compressiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.