compress /com·press/ (kom´pres) a pad or bolster of folded linen or other material, applied with pressure; sometimes medicated, it may be wet or dry, or hot or cold.
compress
compress,
compress
com·press (k m pr s )n. A soft pad of gauze or other material applied with pressure to a part of the body to control hemorrhage or to supply heat, cold, moisture, or medication to alleviate pain or reduce infection. v. (k  m-prs) To press or squeeze together. |
compress
[kom′pres]
Etymology: L, comprimere, to press together
a soft pad, usually made of cloth, used to apply heat, cold, or medication to the surface of a body area. A compress also may be applied over a wound to help control bleeding. Compare dressing.
compress,
n a method of medicine preparation in which a large cloth is soaked in a hot infusion or decoction; the excess liquid wrung out; and the cloth applied to the affected part of the body.
compress, cold,
n a cloth or pad soaked in cold water or ice (sometimes containing herbs or specific solutes) and applied on a part of the body. In hydrotherapy, used as a single compress to reduce blood flow and as a double compress to increase blood flow.
compress, hot,
n a cloth or pad moistened in warm to hot water and applied to a part of the body. In hydrotherapy, used to ease pain locally, increase blood flow, and relax muscles.
compress
a square of gauze or similar dressing, for application of pressure or medication to a restricted area, or for local applications of heat or cold.
compress
A pad of folded gauze, which may be applied with pressure to an area of skin and held in place for a period of time–eg, to cover an open wound or stop bleeding; compresses can be cold or hot; moist or dry. See Cold compress, Hot compress.
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