compact

The definition of compact is a person or thing that takes up a small amount of space.

(adjective)

Compact means to pack or press firmly together.

(verb)

An example of compact is making garbage or trash smaller by compressing it into a smaller mass.

A compact is defined as a small automobile, or a small cosmetic case that holds powder, an applicator and a mirror.

(noun)

An example of a compact is a Ford Focus.
An example of a compact is a small, portable make-up case that holds face powder, a brush and a mirror.

See compact in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: ME < L compactus, concentrated, pp. of compingere, to fasten together < com-, with, together + pangere, to fix, fasten: see peace

transitive verb

noun

Origin: < compactthe ,
a small cosmetic case, usually containing face powder and mirror
☆ a compact automobile
Origin: < L pp. of compacisci, to agree together < same base as compingere
an agreement between two or more individuals, states, etc.; covenant

Related Forms:

See compact in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Closely and firmly united or packed together; dense: compact clusters of flowers.
Occupying little space compared with others of its type: a compact camera; a compact car.
Brief and to the point; concise: a compact narration.
Marked by or having a short solid physique: a wrestler of compact build.

verb (kəm-păktˈ) com·pact·ed, com·pact·ing, com·pacts

verb, transitive

To press or join firmly together: a kitchen device that compacted the trash.
a. To make by pressing or joining together; compose.
b. To consolidate; combine.

verb, intransitive

To be capable of being pressed tightly together or to become so pressed: garbage that compacts easily.

noun (kŏmˈpăktˌ)

A small case containing a mirror, pressed powder, and a powder puff.
An automobile that is bigger in size than a subcompact but smaller than an intermediate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin compāctus

Origin: , past participle of compingere, to put together

Origin: : com-, com-

Origin: + pangere, to fasten; see pag- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: