Compact means to be closely packed together. In science, the word compact is often used to describe objects that are small and dense.
For example, a compact disc (CD) is a compact object that stores music. A compact car is a small car that is designed to be fuel-efficient.
Compact objects are often used because they are easy to store and transport. They are also often used because they are strong and durable.
Imagine that you are a ball of Play-Doh. If you squeeze the Play-Doh, it will become more compact. This means that the molecules of the Play-Doh will be closer together. In the same way, compact objects are objects that have their molecules close together. This makes them small and dense.
The soil was compacted, making it difficult to dig.
Noun: compact (plural: compacts).
Adjective: compact.
Verb: to compact.
Adverb: compactly.
The word "compact" comes from the Latin word "compactus", which means "joined together" or "made firm". It was first used in English in the 14th century to refer to something that is tightly packed or close together.
When might you compact something?