compress Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a cloth pad or dressing (with or without medication) applied firmly to some part of the body (to relieve discomfort or reduce fever)
  2. verb make more compact by or as if by pressing
    compact; pack together.
    • compress the data
  3. verb squeeze or press together
    compact; contract; press; constrict; squeeze.
    • she compressed her lips
    • the spasm contracted the muscle

WordNet

Com*press" transitive verb
Etymology
L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Compressed ; present participle & verbal noun Compressing
Definitions
  1. To press or squeeze together; to force into a narrower compass; to reduce the volume of by pressure; to compact; to condense; as, to compress air or water.
    Events of centuries . . . compressed within the compass of a single life. D. Webster.
    The same strength of expression, though more compressed, runs through his historical harangues. Melmoth.
  2. To embrace sexually. Obs. Pope. Syn. -- To crowd; squeeze; condense; reduce; abridge.
Com"press noun
Etymology
F. compresse.
Definitions
  1. (Surg.) A folded piece of cloth, pledget of lint, etc., used to cover the dressing of wounds, and so placed as, by the aid of a bandage, to make due pressure on any part.

Webster 1913