compressor

American  

[kuhm-pres-er] / kəmˈprɛs ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that compresses.

2. Anatomy.  a muscle that compresses some part of the body.

3. Surgery.  an instrument for compressing a part of the body.

4. a pump or other machine for reducing volume and increasing pressure of gases in order to condense the gases, drive pneumatically powered machinery, etc.

5. Electronics.  a transducer that produces an output with a range of voltages whose ratio is smaller than that of the range of the input signal.

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compressor British  

/ kəmˈprɛsə /

noun

1. any reciprocating or rotating device that compresses a gas

2. the part of a gas turbine that compresses the air before it enters the combustion chambers

3. any muscle that causes compression of any part or structure

4. a medical instrument for holding down a part of the body

5. an electronic device for reducing the variation in signal amplitude in a transmission system Compare expander compander

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Etymology

Origin of compressor

First recorded in 1745–55; compress + -or ²

Example Sentences

The refrigerant evaporates and goes through a compressor which raises its temperature further.

From BBC

Capturing the gas requires an expensive system of pipelines, compressors and other infrastructure that can cost more than the gas is worth.

From Salon

A compressor squeezes that refrigerant, raising its temperature yet further.

From BBC

"On top I've got an eight-gallon water tank. I fill it up, pump it with an air compressor, and I can take a shower out in the wild. At least I have somewhere to live."

From BBC

Some workers have already returned and are lifting a soft chair onto a compressor machine to get it ready to box and ship.

From BBC