First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1compact
adjective com·pact \kəm-ˈpakt, käm-ˈ, ˈkäm-ˌ\
: smaller than other things of the same kind
: using little space and having parts that are close together
: closely or firmly packed or joined together
Full Definition of COMPACT
2
a : having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined <a compact woolen> <compact bone> b : not diffuse or verbose <a compact statement> c : occupying a small volume by reason of efficient use of space <a compact camera> <a compact formation of troops> d : short-bodied, solid, and without excess flesh
3
: being a topological space and especially a metric space with the property that for any collection of open sets which contains it there is a subset of the collection with a finite number of elements which also contains it
— com·pact·ly \-ˈpak(t)-lē, -ˌpak(t)-\ adverb
— com·pact·ness \-ˈpak(t)-nəs, -ˌpak(t)-\ noun
See compact defined for English-language learners
See compact defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of COMPACT
Middle English, firmly put together, from Latin compactus, from past participle of compingere to put together, from com- + pangere to fasten — more at pact
Related to COMPACT
Rhymes with COMPACT
abstract, attract, class act, contact, contract, crookbacked, detract, didact, diffract, distract, enact, entr'acte, epact, exact, extract, humpbacked, hunchbacked, impact, infract, intact, mossbacked, playact, protract, react, redact, refract, retract, sex act, subtract, swaybacked, transact, unbacked
2compact
verb
: to press (something) so that it is harder and fills less space
Full Definition of COMPACT
transitive verb
1
: to make up by connecting or combining : compose
intransitive verb
: to become compacted
— com·pact·ible \-ˈpak-tə-bəl, -ˌpak-\ adjective
— com·pac·tor also com·pact·er \-ˈpak-tər, -ˌpak-\ noun
See compact defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COMPACT
15th century
Related to COMPACT
- Synonyms
- center, centralize, concenter, concentrate, consolidate, polarize, unify, unite
- Antonyms
- decentralize, deconcentrate, spread (out)
3compact
noun com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\
Definition of COMPACT
: something that is compact or compacted: a : a small cosmetic case (as for compressed powder) b : an automobile smaller than an intermediate but larger than a subcompact
First Known Use of COMPACT
1601
4compact
noun com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\
Definition of COMPACT
: an agreement or covenant between two or more parties
Origin of COMPACT
Latin compactum, from neuter of compactus, past participle of compacisci to make an agreement, from com- + pacisci to contract — more at pact
First Known Use: 1591
COMPACT[1] Defined for Kids
1compact
adjective com·pact \kəm-ˈpakt, ˈkäm-ˌpakt\
Definition of COMPACT for Kids
1
: closely united or packed <compact dirt>
2
: arranged so as to save space <a compact house>
— com·pact·ly adverb
— com·pact·ness noun
2compact
verb
com·pact·edcom·pact·ing
Definition of COMPACT for Kids
1
: to draw together : combine
2
: to press together tightly <The machine compacts the trash.>
3compact
noun com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\
Definition of COMPACT for Kids
1
: a small case for cosmetics
2
: a somewhat small automobile
4compact
noun com·pact \ˈkäm-ˌpakt\
Definition of COMPACT for Kids
: agreement 3
Medical Dictionary
compact
adjective com·pact \kəm-ˈpakt, käm-ˈ, ˈkäm-ˌ\
Medical Definition of COMPACT
: having a dense structure without small cavities or cells <compact bone>—compare cancellous
Learn More About COMPACT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: compact discPrevious Word in the Dictionary: comp All Words Near: compact
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up compact? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).