Made dense and firm by pressing or squeezing; compressed tightly into a smaller space (past tense of compact).
From Latin 'compactus,' past participle of 'compingere' (to fasten or press together). Used as both adjective and verb form, describing the result of compacting action.
Compacted soil actually changes its engineering properties—compacted earth can support building weight that loose soil cannot, which is why construction sites require soil compaction testing before foundations are poured.
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