compressed air

noun

1. air compressed, especially by mechanical means, to a pressure higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

compressed air

noun

1. air at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure: used esp as a source of power for machines

Word History and Origins

Origin of compressed air¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

It involved inserting melted plastic into a mold and pumping compressed air into it, creating an air-filled bubble inside.

From Ozy

Two zones of compressed air make sure temps don’t fluctuate, which keeps your collection safe, even if you’re storing for a long time.

From Popular-Science

If you’re worried about grime trapped between your keys, you can use a can of compressed air to push dust out of difficult areas.

From Popular-Science

OSIRIS-REx came up with a pogo stick-like “touch and go” collection system that brought the spacecraft down for a few-second hop off Bennu and used compressed air to waft small rubble into the collection container.

From MIT Technology Review

Hot compressed air “bled” from the engines goes through these packs to cool it before it flows on into the cabin.

From The Daily Beast

A white burst of compressed air shoots out and knocks him down.

From The Daily Beast

Whether the drills are worked by compressed air, or by hand in the old-fashioned way, the effect is the same.

From Project Gutenberg

I got a can of compressed air and blew out the dust that the fan had sucked in and looked things over.

From Project Gutenberg

Torpedoes are discharged from what are called “torpedo tubes” by means of compressed air.

From Project Gutenberg

If you use compressed air, be sure the pressure is not high as it may damage wiring inside the motor.

From Project Gutenberg

A stuffing box is also used on a pump piston sometimes, or a compressed air piston.

From Project Gutenberg