Definition

A soft pad or cloth used to apply pressure to a part of the body for medical purposes, such as to stop bleeding or provide heat or cold.

Example

The doctor placed a compress on the patient's injury to help reduce swelling.

Conversation

I heard you had an injury; did you use a compress?

Yeah, it really helped to reduce the swelling.

That's good to know; I should keep one handy for emergencies.

Definitely! A compress can be a lifesaver.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something smaller or more compact by applying pressure or by reducing its size, often used in the context of data or physical objects.

Example

The technician had to compress the large file before sending it over the internet.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Hey, did you remember to compress those images for the presentation?

Yeah, I did! It really helped reduce the file size.

That's great! I always forget to compress mine before sending them.

Root Explanation

Compress → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "premere" (meaning to press). The word describes the action of pressing things together to reduce their size or volume.

Memory Tip

Think of pressing things 'together' ('com-') — that's why compress means to press together.

Visually Confused Words