Compressibility

/kəmˌprɛsəˈbɪləti/ noun

Definition

The property or quality of being able to be pressed down or squeezed into a smaller space.

Etymology

From 'compress' (Latin 'comprimere': 'com-' together + 'premere' to press) plus '-ibility' (capacity or ability). It describes how much something can be reduced in size.

Kelly Says

Compressibility is why water is nearly impossible to compress (its molecules are already touching) while air is super compressible—a fact that made hydraulic brakes possible!

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