INCOMPRESSIBLE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "incompressible" refers to a substance or material that cannot be compressed or reduced in volume under the action of external forces, such as pressure. It describes the property of resisting compression and maintaining a constant volume when subjected to external pressures. In an incompressible substance, the intermolecular forces between its particles are strong enough to prevent them from being squeezed together, resulting in a negligible change in density.
In the field of fluid mechanics, "incompressible" is often used to describe fluids, both liquids and gases. However, in reality, all fluids can be compressed to some extent. Thus, the term "incompressible" is typically applied to situations where the change in volume due to compression is so small that it can be neglected for practical purposes.
The concept of incompressibility is crucial in various scientific and engineering applications. For example, in hydraulic systems, the assumption of incompressible fluids allows for simplified calculations and predictions of fluid behavior, such as the flow rate through pipes and channels. Similarly, in aerodynamics, the assumption of incompressible flow is employed to analyze the behavior of aircraft and other objects moving through air at relatively low speeds.
Overall, the term "incompressible" denotes the inability of a substance to be compressed or significantly reduced in volume, highlighting its resistance to external forces or pressure changes. This property plays a fundamental role in numerous scientific and engineering disciplines, facilitating simplified analyses and calculations under specific conditions.
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Incapable of being compressed into smaller bulk.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Not capable of being reduced by force to a smaller compass.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INCOMPRESSIBLE
Etymology of INCOMPRESSIBLE
The word "incompressible" is derived from the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and the word "compressible".
The term "compressible" comes from the verb "compress", which originated from the Latin word "compressus", the past participle of "comprimere". "Comprimere" is a combination of "com-" (meaning "together") and "primere" (meaning "to press"). Thus, "compress" refers to the action of pressing together or squeezing.
By adding the prefix "in-" to "compressible", the word becomes "incompressible", indicating the negation of compressibility.
Similar spelling words for INCOMPRESSIBLE
- incompatibility,
- incompleteness,
- in some respects,
- incompressibly,
- incompatibly,
- incontestible,
- incommensurable,
- incompressibility,
- incomprehensible,
- incombustible,
- incomparable,
- in commission,
- incomprehensive,
- incomputable,
- incompatible,
- incomprehension.
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