com·press1 /kəmˈpres/ verb 1 [intransitiveI, transitiveT]PRESS to press something or make it smaller so that it takes up less space, or to become smaller 压紧;压缩 Light silk is best for parachutes, as it compresses well and then expands rapidly. 轻质丝绸最适合制作降落伞,因为这种面料便于压缩,而且展开迅速。
Isobel nodded, her lips compressed. 伊索贝尔紧闭着双唇点了点头。
compress something into something Snow falling on the mountainsides is compressed into ice. 落在山坡上的雪被压成了冰。
The miners used rock drills and compressed air to drive through hard rock. 矿工使用钻岩机和压缩空气来凿穿坚硬的岩石。
2 [intransitiveI, transitiveT] to make a computer file smaller by using a special computer program, which makes the file easier to store or send, or to become smaller in this way 压缩〔计算机文件〕 The program compresses any data saved to the disk. 该程序会压缩所有储存在磁盘上的信息。
3 [transitiveT]SHORT/NOT LONG to write or express something using fewer words 压缩〔文字或话语〕 SYN condensecompress something into something In this chapter we compress into summary form the main issues discussed so far. 在这一章节里,我们把到目前为止所讨论的主要问题压缩成概要形式。
4 [transitiveT]SHORT/NOT LONG to reduce the amount of time that it takes for something to happen or be done 压缩〔做某事的时间〕compress something into something Many couples want to compress their childbearing into a short space of time in their married life. 许多夫妇都想把生育时间压缩在婚后短短的一段时间内。
—compressible adjectiveadj
—compression /-ˈpreʃən/ noun [uncountableU]