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compressibility

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kəmˌprɛsəˈbɪləti/

KK: /kəmˈprɛsəˌbɪlɪti/

noun
Definition

The ability of a substance to be made smaller or more compact by applying pressure.


Example

The compressibility of gases is much higher than that of liquids.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about the concept of compressibility in gases?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it refers to how much a gas can be compressed, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's interesting how it affects things like pressure and volume.
Sloth B
For sure, understanding compressibility is key in physics and engineering.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
compactness
density
contraction
Antonyms
expansiveness
dilatation
rarefaction
Root Explanation

Compressibility → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "premere" (meaning to press). The word refers to the ability to be pressed together or compacted.

Memory Tip

Think of being able to 'press together' ('com-' means together and 'premere' means to press') — that's what compressibility means.

Visually Confused Words
incompressibility
impressibility
unimpressibility
incompossibility
incompressibly
expressibility
depressibility
incomprehensibility
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