adjective

compact

compact, small, dense, powder case

This is a very compact camera.

This is a very compact camera.

She took a compact from her handbag.

She took a compact from her handbag.

((a)) compact ((noun)) small and fitting into a small space This is a compact car.

Synonyms: small, dense, concise; Antonyms: large, spacious, diffuse

From Latin 'compact-us', past participle of 'compingere', meaning 'to join together'. 'Com-' (together) + 'pangere' (to fasten).

Imagine you have to 'pack' things 'com'pletely together to make them 'compact'.

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