WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Com*press"
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press.]
Definition : 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.

t. [imp. & p. p. Compressed; p. pr & vb. n. Compressing.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Com"press
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. compresse.] (Surg.)
Definition : Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913