verb (past and past participlecom·pressed, present participlecom·press·ing, 3rd person present singularcom·press·es)
Definition:
1. transitive and intransitive verb shrink: to make something smaller by applying pressure or a similar process, or become smaller in this way
2. transitive verb press things together: to press things such as the lips together
3. transitive verb comput make computer files shorter: to reduce the number of bits required to represent computer text, data, or images so as to save storage space or reduce transmission time
noun (pluralcom·press·es)
Definition:
1. medicine treatment pad: a cloth pad, often moistened or medicated, pressed firmly against a part of the body as a treatment, e.g. to stop bleeding
2. machine: a machine for compressing material, especially cotton that is being packed
[14th century. Via Old French< late Latin compressare "keep pressing together" < Latin comprimere "press together" < premere "to press"]
