compressed
/kəmˈprest/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈprest/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈprest also ˈkäm-ˌprest/ (ame, mw)
compressed — adjective
- compressedpositive
- more compressedcomparative
- most compressedsuperlative
1. squeezed by force into a smaller shape or space than normal — for example, gas p
squeezed by force into a smaller shape or space than normal — for example, gas pushed into a tank, hay packed tightly into a bale, or sawdust glued together into a board.
The diver checked her tank of compressed air before stepping off the boat.
compressed + gas/air/oxygen (collocation)
Sofia stacked the compressed bales of hay against the back wall of the barn.
compressed + bale / pellet / block
The shelves were made of compressed wood chips glued together with strong resin.
Builders use a small layer of compressed foam between the bricks for insulation.
The rescue team carried bottles of highly compressed oxygen up the mountain.
- compacted
stresses being pressed firmly together; common with soil, snow, or rubbish
- condensed
often used of liquids and gases turned denser by pressure or cooling
- pressurised
specifically of gas or liquid in a sealed container at higher than normal pressure
用法筆記
Most often used before a noun (attributive). Pairs strongly with substances that can be squeezed: gases ('compressed air, compressed gas'), fibrous materials ('compressed wood, compressed cotton'), and solids made by packing small pieces together. Distinguish from sense 2 (about shortened time) and sense 3 (about computer files).
常見錯誤
2. (of a course, schedule, or programme) packed into a much shorter period than the
(of a course, schedule, or programme) packed into a much shorter period than the usual one, so that the same content has to be covered more quickly.
Iris took a compressed summer course that finished a full degree module in five weeks.
compressed + course / programme / schedule
The team trained on a compressed timeline because the championship was moved up by a month.
compressed + timeline / deadline
Hoa joined a compressed work week of four ten-hour days instead of the usual five.
Doctors complain that compressed training periods leave less room for hands-on practice.
- condensed
very close in this sense, often interchangeable for courses and schedules
- intensive
stresses high effort within a short period rather than the shortening itself
- accelerated
highlights faster pace; typical of academic programmes
用法筆記
Used attributively with words for periods of activity ('schedule, timeline, course, work week'). Distinguish from sense 1 (physical squeezing). Often appears in workplace, education, and project-management contexts.
常見錯誤
3. (of a file, image, video, or data) saved in a special format so the file becomes
(of a file, image, video, or data) saved in a special format so the file becomes smaller and quicker to send, store, or download — for example as ZIP, JPEG, or MP4.
Christopher emailed the photographer a folder of compressed JPEG photos for the website.
compressed + file type (JPEG / MP4 / PDF)
Streaming services send heavily compressed video so that it loads quickly on slow connections.
heavily / highly + compressed
Olivia uploaded a compressed ZIP folder of all her project files to the shared drive.
The compressed audio sounded slightly worse, but the file was a quarter of the original size.
- uncompressed
kept at full original size and quality
- raw
of image or audio files: completely unprocessed, very large
用法筆記
Common in everyday computing talk; not formal jargon. Often paired with 'highly / heavily' to suggest stronger compression and lower quality. Distinguish from senses 1 and 2: this sense applies only to digital content.