compaction

[kuhm-pak-shuhn, kom-]

noun

1. the act of compacting compact or the state of being compacted. compact.

2. Geology.,  the consolidation of sediments resulting from the weight of overlying deposits.

compaction

1. The process by which the porosity of a given form of sediment is decreased as a result of its mineral grains being squeezed together by the weight of overlying sediment or by mechanical means.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compaction¹

1350–1400; Middle English compaccioun < Latin compāctiōn- (stem of compāctiō ) a joining, frame, equivalent to compāct ( us ) compact ¹ + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

For one, construction activities like excavation and soil compaction from heavy machinery can damage a tree’s critical root zone, preventing uptake of water and nutrients crucial for the plant’s survival.

From Los Angeles Times

These aquifers lie hundreds of feet underground, below shallow aquifers and clay layers, and they contain clay layers that are especially susceptible to compaction when water is extracted.

From Los Angeles Times

“There were four crews out there doing surveys, site analysis, for safety, for soils compaction, for environmental issues, utilities issues,” Soboroff said.

From Los Angeles Times

In humans, embryonic cell compaction is a crucial step in the normal development of an embryo.

From Science Daily

Frequent harvesting activities — such as done on palm oil plantations — and the removal of ground vegetation leads to further soil compaction, causing rain to run off the surface instead of entering groundwater reservoirs.

From Seattle Times