incompressibleadj.
/ɪnkəmˈprɛsɪb(ə)l/ a. That cannot be compressed or squeezed into smaller compass; incapable of compression.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > [adjective] > make (more) dense or solid > by compaction or compression > not > that cannot be compressed
incompressible1705
1705 G. Cheyne Philos. Princ. Nat. Relig. i. 62 Hardness is the reason why water is incompressible, when the air lodged in it is exhausted.
1736 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum (ed. 2) Incompressible,..not to be compressed or squeezed together.
1782 Monro's Anat. Human Bones (new ed.) 125 The middle fluid part is incompressible.
1858 D. Lardner Hand-bk. Nat. Philos.: Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, & Heat (new ed.) iii. 46 Liquids in general are treated in hydrostatics as incompressible bodies.
1876 J. Van Duyn & E. C. Seguin tr. E. L. Wagner Man. Gen. Pathol. 158 The brain is quite incompressible.
b. figurative. (In quot. 1824 = irrepressible.)
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > freedom of action or from restraint > [adjective] > unrestrainable
irrefrenable1546
unrestrainable1609
uncurbablea1616
undetainablea1631
irrestrainable1643
uncogible1646
unligable1655
unconstrainable1659
irrepressible1811
incompressible1823
uncheckable1836
unchainablea1849
1823 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 56 129 That higher class of writers whose popularity [is] incompressible within the scanty limits of one country.
1824 Examiner 370/1 His incompressible mental independence subjected him to the rancorous..calumny of those who knew him not.
Derivatives
incomˈpressibleness n. (Bailey folio, 1730).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
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adj.1705