Compressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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compressive

 

[kəmˈprɛsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

material science

Compressive refers to the ability of a material to withstand compressive forces without failure. It describes how materials deform or fail under compression, which is critical in engineering and construction. Understanding compressive properties is essential for ensuring the structural integrity of objects.

Synonyms

constrictive, squeezing.

Examples of usage

  • Concrete has high compressive strength.
  • The testing apparatus measures compressive forces on the sample.
  • Engineers analyze the compressive behavior of bridge materials.
  • The compressive load caused the beam to buckle.
Context #2 | Adjective

geology

In geology, compressive refers to stress that tends to squeeze or compress rock formations. This type of stress can lead to the formation of faults and folds in the Earth's crust over geological time scales.

Synonyms

contractive, squeezing.

Examples of usage

  • The mountain range was formed by compressive forces.
  • Compressive stress can cause earthquakes.
  • Geologists study the effects of compressive stress on rock formations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from Latin 'compressus', which means to press together.
  • It has been used in English since the late 19th century, emphasizing its technical origins in science and engineering.

Science

  • In physics, compressive stress refers to forces that tend to compress or shorten the material such as in columns and pillars.
  • Compressive strength is a measure of how much weight a material can bear before collapsing.

Engineering

  • Civil engineers often utilize compressive forces when designing structures to ensure stability under loads such as buildings and bridges.
  • Materials like concrete are particularly strong in compression, leading to their widespread use in construction.

Psychology

  • In developmental psychology, compressive behavior can refer to how children learn to manage emotions, balancing pressures from their environment.
  • The term also appears in cognitive psychology, where it relates to how individuals condense complex information for better understanding.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of compression appears in films and media illustrating the impact of burdensome responsibilities on characters, with a 'compressed' feel to their dilemmas.
  • In literature, compressive themes often address societal pressures and the struggles of characters to cope with overwhelming forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "compressive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compressivo

🇮🇳 संपीड़न

🇩🇪 kompressiv

🇮🇩 kompresif

🇺🇦 компресивний

🇵🇱 kompresyjny

🇯🇵 圧縮の

🇫🇷 compressif

🇪🇸 compresivo

🇹🇷 sıkıştırıcı

🇰🇷 압축의

🇸🇦 ضغطي

🇨🇿 kompresní

🇸🇰 kompresívny

🇨🇳 压缩的

🇸🇮 kompresiven

🇮🇸 þjöppu

🇰🇿 қысу

🇬🇪 კომპრესიული

🇦🇿 sıxışdırıcı

🇲🇽 compresivo