Etymology Map
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Compact

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means closely packed; small

Where does the word "compact" come from? It comes from Latin compactus, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
compactus
Latin · ancient
"joined together"
past participle of 'compingere', to join
2
Stage 2 of 2
compact
English · 1400s
"firmly united"
'compact disc' dates from 1979
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Read the full story

Compact’s story begins in Latin: compactus meant “joined together.” Past participle of 'compingere', to join. It reached English by 1400s as compact. 'compact disc' dates from 1979. Today, compact means closely packed; small.