compressibility
Americannoun
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the quality or state of being compressible.
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Physics. the reciprocal of the bulk modulus, equal to the ratio of the fractional change in volume to the stress applied to a body.
noun
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the ability to be compressed
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k. physics the reciprocal of the bulk modulus; the ratio of volume strain to stress at constant temperature
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of compressibility
First recorded in 1685–95; compressible ( def. ) + -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Compressibility affects how the airflow goes around the body and that can change things like lift, drag, and thrust required to take off or stay airborne."
From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2025
"Compressibility burble" is a sharp break away of the airflow from the upper wing surface like the bow-waves of a ship, leaving the air directly behind extremely rarefied.
From Time Magazine Archive
Compressibility burble is a phenomenon which appears at speeds of 500 m.p.h. or higher.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
