com·pen·di·ous \-dēəs\adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin compendiosus, from compendium + -osus -ose 1.: marked by the brief expression of a comprehensive matter : like a compendium : resolving essentials into few words < such looseness cannot be afforded in a short and compendious book — Times Literary Supplement > 2.obsolete: showing saving of time : expeditious, direct Synonyms:see concise