Uncompressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncompressed

[สŒn.kษ™mหˆprษ›st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

data size

Uncompressed refers to data that is in its original size and format without any reduction in size or information loss. This term is commonly used in computing, where data can be compressed to save space, but uncompressed data retains all its original detail and quality.

Synonyms

original, raw, unreduced.

Examples of usage

  • The uncompressed audio file provides the highest quality sound.
  • Uncompressed images retain all visual details, making them larger in file size.
  • For editing purposes, uncompressed video formats are preferred.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computing, uncompressed files take up more storage space compared to compressed files, which are smaller.
  • Audio and video files can be uncompressed to preserve higher quality, such as in formats like WAV or RAW.
  • Uncompressed images, like BMP files, retain all visual detail but can be large in size, unlike formats like JPEG that are reduced.

Science

  • In physics, uncompressed states can refer to substances that have not been condensed or squished, impacting their behavior and properties.
  • For example, in fluid dynamics, the behavior of uncompressed gases differs significantly from compressed gases, affecting airflow and pressure.

Media

  • Video games often use uncompressed textures during development to ensure clarity and detail, which may later be compressed for final releases.
  • Streaming services balance between uncompressed media quality and bandwidth limits, often choosing to compress files for faster delivery while compromising on quality.

Origin of 'uncompressed'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' indicating the opposite of 'compressed,' which stems from the Latin 'compressus,' meaning 'pressed together.'
  • This word combines 'compress' and 'ed' to show the concept of something that has not undergone the compression process.

The term 'uncompressed' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and the verb 'compress', which comes from Latin 'compressus', the past participle of 'comprimere', meaning 'to press together'. The usage of 'uncompressed' began to emerge in the computing lexicon as data storage and transfer technologies developed, particularly with the advent of audio and video compression algorithms in the late 20th century. As digital media became more prevalent, the distinction between compressed and uncompressed formats became increasingly important, leading to a greater understanding of how data can be manipulated. This led to more sophisticated methods for both compressing data and ensuring that uncompressed formats were available for tasks that required unaltered quality, such as professional audio and video production.