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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compressed air

It used a downforce-generating fan system to remain stuck upside down, and then blasted free, flipped—this was the flying part—and touched down amid a cloud of compressed air.

From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026

As the materials pass the sensors’ near-infrared eyes, bursts of compressed air push specific items toward intended collection areas.

From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 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

As well as avoiding bags of rice, it also advises against drying a wet phone using an "external heat source or compressed air", meaning radiators and hairdryers should be avoided.

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2024

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

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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