'compaction' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'compactionem,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'pactio' meant 'agreement or compact.'

'compactionem' transformed into the Old French word 'compaction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'compaction' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'an agreement or compact,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the process of compacting or the state of being compacted.'