Compress \Com*press"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compressed; p. pr & vb. n. Compressing.]

[L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press.]

1. To press or squeeze together; to force into a narrower compass; to reduce the volume of by pressure; to compact; to condense; as, to compress air or water.

Events of centuries . . . compressed within the compass of a single life. --D. Webster.

The same strength of expression, though more compressed, runs through his historical harangues. --Melmoth.

2. To embrace sexually. [Obs.]

--Pope.

Syn: To crowd; squeeze; condense; reduce; abridge.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Compressed \Com*pressed"\, a.

1. Pressed together; compacted; reduced in volume by pressure.

2. (Bot.) Flattened lengthwise.

Compressed-air engine, an engine operated by the elastic force of compressed air.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)