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compression
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Two diagrams labeled A and B show rectangular blocks with arrows indicating forces. In A, arrows point inward to illustrate compression. In B, arrows point outward to illustrate tension. Three compression mechanisms in crystals. Diagram with three panels showing sound wave representations: (A) evenly spaced blue lines for air at equilibrium, (B) alternating dense and sparse blue lines for compressions and rarefactions, and (C) a yellow sine wave illustrating amplitude and wavelength. (Top) Volume under compression, (centre) section of wire under tension, (bottom) metal tube under torsion
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compression

physics
Also known as: bulk strain
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History

compression, decrease in volume of any object or substance resulting from applied stress. Compression may be undergone by solids, liquids, and gases and by living systems. In the latter, compression is measured against the system’s volume at the standard pressure to which an organism is subjected—e.g., the pressure of the atmosphere at sea level is the standard, or reference, for most land animals, but the standard for deep-sea fishes and similar specialized forms is the normal pressure of their environment.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.