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Compacts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compacts

[ˈkɒmpækts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

technology

Small, lightweight devices that combine multiple functions into a single unit, such as a compact camera or a compact disc player.

Synonyms

miniature, portable, small.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compacts

This word is often used to describe products, especially cars, makeup cases, or other items designed to be small and efficient. It emphasizes being an efficient, well-organized, and space-saving solution.

  • She bought one of the new compacts that fit easily into her handbag.
  • The company is known for its line of environmentally friendly compacts.
portable

This word is ideal for describing items that are easy to carry or move around. It emphasizes convenience and ease of transportation.

  • She bought a portable speaker for their beach trip.
  • The portable charger was a lifesaver during the long flight.
miniature

Use 'miniature' to describe something that is much smaller than its usual size, often used for collectibles, models, or items designed to be intentionally small.

  • He has a collection of miniature cars on his desk.
  • They built a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower for the exhibition.
small

Use 'small' for general descriptions of size. It's a very common word for emphasizing that something is not large.

  • They live in a small house in the countryside.
  • She prefers small dogs over large ones.

Examples of usage

  • Compact cameras are popular among travelers due to their small size.
  • She bought a compact disc player to listen to music on the go.
Context #2 | Verb

science

To exert force on a material, causing it to become denser and occupy less space.

Synonyms

compress, consolidate, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compacts

Compacts can refer to agreements or contracts between parties, but is less commonly used in this sense than 'compact' for describing objects or density.

  • The countries signed several compacts to improve trade relations
compress

Compress is often used in technical or medical contexts to describe reducing the size or volume of something, or applying pressure.

  • You need to compress this file to send it via email
  • Apply a cold compress to the injury
consolidate

This term is usually used in financial or organizational contexts to describe the act of combining multiple items into a single, more effective unit.

  • The company decided to consolidate its headquarters and offices into one building
  • He consolidated all his loans into one monthly payment
pack

Pack is typically used when talking about putting items into containers or preparing for travel. It can sometimes have a neutral or negative connotation if something is packed too tightly.

  • She needs to pack her suitcase for the trip
  • The auditorium was packed with people

Examples of usage

  • The pressure compacted the snow into a solid mass.
  • He used a machine to compact the soil before construction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, a compact is often a formal agreement between states or nations, dealing with issues like trade or governance.
  • The Compact Clause in the U.S. Constitution regulates agreements between states, ensuring states do not act independently without federal consent.
  • Historical compacts, such as the Mayflower Compact, set precedents for self-governance in America.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, wedding compacts signify agreements between families, marking a significant social bond.
  • In the context of ancient rituals, compacts often involved oaths that reinforced community ties and trust among participants.
  • Covenants in religious texts are a form of compact, highlighting the spiritual agreements between humans and deities.

Science and Nature

  • In geology, a compacted soil layer indicates increased density, making it resistant to erosion, similar to an agreement that binds together different entities.
  • Compaction is an essential process in both packaging and engineering, where materials are pressed to minimize volume without altering the essence.
  • Ecological compacts may refer to agreements for biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable practices and environmental protection.

Technology

  • In computing, compact formats are used to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality, similar to how compact agreements are tightly defined.
  • Compact disc formats revolutionized music storage, creating a 'compact' way to carry large amounts of audio data.
  • The rise of compact devices, such as smartphones, illustrates a cultural shift towards efficiency and multi-functionality in technology.

Origin of 'compacts'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin term 'compactus', which means 'to join together tightly'.
  • In early English, 'compact' referred not only to agreements but also to compactness in physical form.
  • The suffix '-act' in compact relates to actions or deeds, suggesting agreement through actions.

The word 'compact' originated from the Latin word 'compactus', which means 'joined or united together'. In the 16th century, it was used to describe an agreement or contract that was firmly established. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to something that is closely and neatly packed together, leading to its modern-day meanings.

See also: compact, compactible, compaction, compactness, decompaction, subcompact.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,969, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.