decompressable

Decompressable is an adjective used to describe something that can be restored to its original or less complex state from a compressed or more intricate form. In the context of computing, it commonly refers to files or data that have undergone compression, a process designed to reduce their size for efficient storage or transmission. Such files are designed to be "decompressable," meaning software can be used to reverse the compression and retrieve the original data. This decompression process unpacks the data, returning it to its full size and format.

The concept of decompressable extends beyond digital files. For instance, a tightly wound spring could be considered decompressable, as it can be released to its original, uncompressed state. Similarly, certain materials might be described as decompressable if they can return to their original shape after being subjected to pressure or deformation. The underlying principle remains the same: the ability to revert from a state of being compressed or made more intricate to a prior, simpler, or larger state. The term implies a reversibility inherent in the object or data.