Dictionary Home »
Webster's New World College Dictionary » compress
compress
compress definition
com·press (kəm pres′; for n. käm′pres′)
transitive verb
to press together; make more compact by or as by pressure
Etymology: ME compressen < OFr compresser < LL compressare < L compressus, pp. of comprimere, to squeeze < com-, together + premere, to press
noun
- a pad of folded cloth, sometimes medicated or moistened, for applying pressure, heat, cold, etc. to some part of the body
- ☆ a machine for compressing cotton bales
Related Forms:
- compressibility com·press′·ibil′·ity noun
- compressible com·press′·ible adjective
Browse dictionary definitions near compress
Also Mentioned In