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Compression in Irish (Dlúthú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘dlúthú’ also means: bringing closer

The Irish for compression is dlúthú, a masculine noun. Ag dlúthú is compacting, from the verb dlúthaigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “compression” in Irish

Irish:
dlúthú
English:
compression, bringing closer
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
dlúthaigh, to compact (ag dlúthú, compacting)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“DLOO-hoo”  /ˈd̪ˠl̪ˠuːhuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
dlúthaithe, an dlúthaithe (e.g. próiseas an dlúthaithe, the process of compression)

What does “dlúthú” mean?

“Dlúthú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

compression
The verbal noun of dlúthaigh: the act of pressing something together so that it becomes tighter or denser.Also: compacting, condensing, tightening, consolidation.
1 other meaning: bringing closer
2bringing closer
The act of drawing things or people closer together, as in integration or closer union.Also: integration, drawing together, closing ranks.

“Dlúthú” as a verbal noun

After ag, dlúthú means compacting: it is the verbal noun of the verb dlúthaigh (to compact). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
dlúthúverbal noun
=
ag dlúthúcompacting

“Dlúthú” with the article

Here is dlúthú after the article (an t-alt).

an dlúthú
the compression
No change after an

“Dlúthú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dlúthú, the Irish word for compression.

Is gá dlúthú a dhéanamh ar an ithir.
The soil needs to be compacted.
Tharla an dlúthú de réir a chéile.
The compression happened gradually.
Bhí ráta an dlúthaithe ró-ard.
The rate of compression was too high.
Labhair sí faoi dhlúthú na hEorpa.
She spoke about European integration.
Úsáidtear an meaisín seo le haghaidh dlúthaithe.
This machine is used for compacting.
Cuireann dlúthú comhad spás ar fáil ar an diosca.
File compression frees up space on the disk.
Tá dlúthú ag teacht ar na sraitheanna.
The ranks are closing up.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Compression in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for compression?

The Irish for compression is dlúthú (pronounced “DLOO-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean bringing closer.

How do you pronounce dlúthú in Irish?

Dlúthú is said like “DLOO-hoo” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠl̪ˠuːhuː/).

Does dlúthú have a plural?

No plural form is given for dlúthú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does dlúthú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dlúthú can mean compression or bringing closer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dlúthú change to dhlúthú or ndlúthú?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dlúthú becomes mo dhlúthú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndlúthú (eclipsis).

How is dlúthú different from comhbhrú?

Comhbhrú is the technical term for physical compression by pressure, while dlúthú is broader: compacting, condensing, or drawing things closer together.

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