compress

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
compress

▶verb /kəmˈprɛs/ 

• 1 flatten by pressure; squeeze into less space.

  ■ squeeze or press (two things) together.

  ■ (as adj. compressed) chiefly Biology having a narrow shape as if flattened, especially sideways.

• 2 reduce the dynamic range of (a sound signal).

• 3 Computing alter the form of (data) to reduce the amount of storage necessary.

▶noun /ˈkɒmprɛs/ a pad of absorbent material pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding.

– derivatives
compressibility /-ˈbɪlɪti/ noun,
compressible /kəmˈprɛsɪb(ə)l/ adjective,
compressive /kəmˈprɛsɪv/ adjective.

– origin ME: from OFr. compresser or late L. compressare, frequentative of L. compress-, comprimere.