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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | compactus, past participle of compingere 'to put together', from com- ( COM-) + pangere 'to fasten' |
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com‧pact1
1 small, but arranged so that everything fits neatly into the space available - used to show approval : 
The compact design of the machine allows it to be stored easily.The students' rooms were compact, with a desk, bed, and closet built in.
The compact design of the machine allows it to be stored easily.The students' rooms were compact, with a desk, bed, and closet built in.2 packed or put together firmly and closely : The bushes grew in a compact mass.
The bushes grew in a compact mass.3 small, but solid and strong : a short compact-looking man
a short compact-looking man —compactly adverb
—compactness noun [uncountable]
