Compacts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Formal pacts or arrangements made between entities are included, as are small, neatly arranged items that save space; also, it denotes multifunctional instruments designed to occupy minimal area while serving various purposes
2. Legally binding agreements or settlements between parties ; a small case usually containing cosmetics or mirrors ; to compress or press material into a smaller, denser form
3. Formal arrangements or contracts between groups or individuals ; a portable container typically used for makeup ; to pack or condense something tightly

Etymology: "Compacts" is the plural of "compact," and the noun's sense of a binding agreement came first. The Latin "compactum" meant "agreement," the neuter past participle of "compingere," "to join together," built from "com-" ("together") and "pangere" ("to fasten"). Its root is the same as that of "pact," which is why the two words are close relatives. The word reached English through Middle French "compact," and the bond of agreement stayed central to it. The later senses of a small case for powder and mirror, and of pressing material into a denser form, grew from the same idea of things fastened or pressed tightly together. A compact cosmetics case holds its contents packed closely, and to compact something is to press it into a smaller space.

Synonyms: agreements, contracts, pacts, treaties, covenants