compressed air

American  

noun

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

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compressed air British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of compressed air

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compressed air

Fuel is injected into the compressed air, and hot exhaust gases exit the back, producing powerful thrust.

From Barron's ● May 19, 2026

StarChase uses compressed air to launch a GPS tracker from a police vehicle onto a fleeing car.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026

Don’t use a hair dryer or compressed air on your phone.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 29, 2024

Then came the Windkessel, a chamber in the bottom of a wooden wagon that compressed air to pump water continuously through a hose, creating a steady stream.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2024

Together, they created a deluxe valve system that supplies divers with compressed air.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler