compression

 
Pronunciation: /kəmˈprɛʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of compressing or being compressed.
  • the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure) of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition.

Derivatives

compressional

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compressio(n-), from comprimere 'press together' (see compress)