compaction

[ kuhm-pak-shuhn, kom- ]

noun

1. the act of compacting compact or the state of being compacted. compact.
2. Geology. the consolidation of sediments resulting from the weight of overlying deposits.

compaction

/ kəm-păk′shən /

1. The process by which the porosity of a given form of sediment is decreased as a result of its mineral grains being squeezed together by the weight of overlying sediment or by mechanical means.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compaction¹

1350–1400; Middle English compaccioun < Latin compāctiōn- (stem of compāctiō ) a joining, frame, equivalent to compāct ( us ) compact ¹ + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Chernozems’ fluffiness might put it at greater risk of compaction, but it can also help the soil spring back afterward, helping prevent it from becoming a longer-term problem.

From Science News

For all but the worst compaction, though, several seasons of typical planting will help heal the land, says soil scientist DeAnn Presley of Kansas State University in Manhattan.

From Science News

This compaction in turn causes the land above to crack, buckle and sink.

From Popular-Science

“We show the material can absorb a lot of energy because of this shock compaction mechanism of struts at the nanoscale, versus something that’s fully dense and monolithic, not nanoarchitected,” said Portela.

From Popular-Science

Part of the complexity is that we have GPS on our heavy equipment, and it helps us to determine the compaction levels.

From Time

Each is drawing toward the other, but like glass in the mid-state between fusion and compaction a single sand will splinter it.

From Project Gutenberg

But for vniformitie of building, orderlie compaction, Cambridge burned not long since.

From Project Gutenberg

A real moral defence against even intellectual error will be found in such a close compaction in mutual Christian love.

From Project Gutenberg

This compaction in love will lead to a wealth of certitude in the possession of the truth.

From Project Gutenberg