incompressibility

Cannot be condensed

Incompressibility is the quality of resisting compression—of maintaining volume under pressure.

In physics, liquids are often treated as incompressible because they barely shrink even under great force, unlike gases.

The term appears in fluid dynamics and materials science: The incompressibility of water makes hydraulic systems possible.

Figuratively rare, but available for anything that won't be squeezed down.

physics

hydrostatics

Science of stationary fluid pressures

viscosityFluid's flow resistance
densityMass-to-volume ratio
buoyancyFluid's upward resistance

materials

liquids

Matter that flows

waterClear essential liquid
oilSlippery viscous fluid
mercuryLiquid metallic element

blood · seawater · solvents · coolants · lubricants · glycol · brine · fuel · plasma · emulsions

metaphorical

unyielding

Refusing to give way

inflexibleUnable to bend
rigidUnable to bend
adamantStubbornly refusing to yield

immutable · unchangeable · uncompromising · resolute · steadfast · intractable · obdurate · unbending · firm · fixed

hydraulics

actuators

Movement-producing mechanisms

cylindersCircular-based solid shapes
pumpsLaceless dress shoes
valvesFlow-controlling mechanisms

seals · gaskets · pistons · transmission · accumulator · servo · manifold

Categories

elasticityelasticity, strain, stiffness, stress-strain, elastic energy

Opposites

material response to pressure

incompressibilitycompressibility

Volume reduction potential

squeezability · squashability · compressible · sponginess · collapsibility

rigidity vs. deformability

incompressibilitysoftness

Yielding to gentle pressure

pliability · malleability · sponginess · squishiness · flexibility

Family

compress, decompress, compression, compressed, compressing, compressible, decompression, compressor, incompressible

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G