Definition of compress

The word "compress" originates from the Latin "compressus," which means "crushed" or "squeezed." This Latin term is a past participle of the verb "compressus," which means "to press together" or "to constrain." The Latin "compressus" is derived from the prefix "com-" (meaning "together") and the verb "premere" (meaning "to press"). The word "compress" was first used in the 15th century to describe the act of squeezing or pressing something together. Initially, it was used in the context of physiology, describing the compression of tissues or organs. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the compression of gases, materials, and even data. Today, the word "compress" is used in a wide range of fields, from computer science (data compression) to physics (pressure and force) to everyday conversation (e.g., "I need to compress this pillow"). Despite its evolution, the word "compress" retains its roots in the Latin concept of squeezing or constraining together.