Engineering English
Compression
Engineering Fundamentals · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: Compression is a pushing force that acts along the length of a member, tending to shorten it, and is common in columns, struts, and other structural elements.
Example in context
“The column was designed to resist compression from the dead load of the floors above without buckling.”
“Kolon, üst katların sabit yükünden kaynaklanan basınca burkulmadan dayanacak şekilde tasarlanmıştır.”
Where engineers use it
Compression is critical in columns, arches, and truss diagonals. Engineers check for buckling and crushing when members carry compressive loads, using Euler's formula for stability.
Synonyms: compressive force, axial compression
Antonyms: tension
Practice: can you use “Compression” at work?
You are tasked with designing a steel column for a multi-story building. Determine the maximum compressive load it can support given its cross-section and yield strength.
Show a model answer
“Ensure the compression member has a sufficient slenderness ratio to avoid buckling.”
“Compression” in 21 languages
| English | Compression |
|---|---|
| Turkish | basınç |
| French | compression |
| German | Druck |
| Spanish | compresión |
| Chinese | 压缩 |
| Arabic | ضغط |
| Portuguese | compressão |
| Russian | сжатие |
| Japanese | 圧縮 |
| Italian | compressione |
| Vietnamese | nén |
| Hindi | संपीडन |
| Thai | การอัด |
| Indonesian | kompresi |
| Korean | 압축 |
| Bengali | সংকোচন |
| Dutch | compressie |
| Swedish | kompression |
| Finnish | puristus |
| Ukrainian | стиснення |
Frequently asked questions
What does Compression mean in engineering?
Compression is a pushing force that acts along the length of a member, tending to shorten it, and is common in columns, struts, and other structural elements. In Engineering Fundamentals, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Compression?
Compression is pronounced /kəmˈprɛʃən/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Compression used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The column was designed to resist compression from the dead load of the floors above without buckling.”
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