Compressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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compressive

 

[ kəmˈprɛsɪv ]

Adjective
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'compressive' originates from the Latin root 'comprimere', where 'com-' means 'together' and 'premere' means 'to press'. It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, primarily in scientific contexts related to mechanics and material properties. The term gained prominence with advancements in engineering and material science, as understanding how materials behave under compressive forces became vital for construction and industrial applications. Over time, 'compressive' evolved to describe various fields, including geology and physics, where understanding stress and pressure is crucial.