compressibilityn.
/kəmprɛsɪˈbɪlɪti/ a. The quality of being compressible; capability of compression.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > [noun] > compression or constriction > ability
compressibility1772
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > [noun] > becoming or making dense or solid > by compaction or compression > quality of being compressible
compressibility1772
condensability1806
1772 W. Buchan Domest. Med. (ed. 2) li. 735 The compressibility of sponge.
1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 502 The extraordinary compressibility of the other viscera.
b. esp. in Physics and Aeronautics. The quality in virtue of which the volume of a gas, etc., may be diminished without decrease of its mass.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > gas > air > [noun] > elasticity of air
air spring1660
spring1660
compressibilitya1691
the world > matter > physics > mechanics > fluid mechanics > [noun] > compression > ability
compressibilitya1691
a1691 R. Boyle Wks. (1772) III. 507 The great compressibility, if I may so speak, of the air.
1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. 237 The compressibility..of ice is very nearly the same with that of water.
1860 M. F. Maury Physical Geogr. Sea (ed. 8) viii. §404 The Compressibility of water in the depths of the sea, is one per cent for every 1000 fathoms.
1920 L. Bairstow Appl. Aerodynamics viii. 383 For airscrews, the tips of the blades of which may reach speeds of 700 or 800 ft.-s., the effect of compressibility may be expected to be important.
1933 J. Stack in Nat. Advis. Comm. Aeronaut., Techn. Rep. No. 463. 18 This breakdown of the flow, hereinafter called the compressibility burble, occurs at lower speeds as the lift is increased by changing the angle of attack.
1938 L. Bairstow Appl. Aerodynamics (ed. 2) i. 10 At about three-quarters of the velocity of sound..the lift of aerofoils falls rapidly and the drag increases enormously, giving rise to a phenomenon sometimes spoken of as the ‘compressibility stall’.
1950 Gloss. Aeronaut. Terms (B.S.I.) i. 26 Compressibility drag, the increase in drag arising from the compressibility of the air which occurs at high speeds.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.a1691