compressive

[kuhm-pres-iv]

adjective

1. compressing; tending to compress.

Other Word Forms

• compressively adverb
• noncompressive adjective
• noncompressively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of compressive¹

1375–1425; late Middle English. See compress, -ive

Example Sentences

The outside cools much faster than the inside, creating compressive stress on the material and tempering it — making it stronger — by creating a structure in which the center is in tension but the exterior is being compressed.

Read more on Salon

“In the beginning of the day we have more fluid in our spines. Over the course of the day, due to compressive forces of weight-bearing, we lose fluid and become shorter,” explains Jonathan Locitzer, DPT, a physical therapist in Brooklyn, New York.

Read more on Slate

In his report, Baden wrote that his own autopsy revealed Lowery had suffered “traumatic blunt force” injuries to his face, jaw, arm and chest and found evidence of “compressive choking.”

Read more on Seattle Times

The digitally programmable material exhibits remarkable mechanical capabilities, including shape-shifting and memory, stress-strain response, and Poisson's ratio under compressive load.

Read more on Science Daily

The study emphasizes that nanoscale deformation mechanisms of collagen fibrils accommodate compressive loading of the intervertebral disc.

Read more on Science Daily