incompressible
/,inkəm'presəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Incapable of being compressed; resisting compression: Describes a substance or material whose volume cannot be significantly reduced by applying pressure. It maintains its density and form under compressive forces.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Liquids are often considered incompressible for many engineering calculations.
- The incompressible nature of water makes it an effective hydraulic fluid.
- Mounds of incompressible garbage posed a significant disposal problem.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific/Technical Context: In physics and fluid dynamics, an "incompressible fluid" is an idealization where the density of the fluid remains constant. This is a key assumption in many models.
- The engineer modeled the flow using the equations for an incompressible fluid.
- Figurative Use: Can describe something rigid, unyielding, or not easily reduced in scope or size.
- Her incompressible schedule left no room for unexpected meetings.
Variants and Related Words
- Incompressibility (noun): The property or state of being incompressible.
- The incompressibility of the material is a critical design factor.
- Compressible (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning capable of being compressed.
Synonyms
- Non-compressible
- Uncompressed
- Rigid (in certain contexts, implying resistance to deformation)
Antonyms
- Compressible
- Squeezable
- Compactable
Related Phrases/Idioms
(This word is highly technical and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily literal and scientific.)
Adjective
- incapable of being compressed; resisting compression
- mounds of incompressible garbage