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

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

A professional will inspect your ducts, assess debris levels, access the entire duct system, and use tools like brushes, compressed air and vacuuming to remove accumulated dirt, dust and debris.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 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

Tiny gas jets allowed compressed air to squirt out under this base, causing it to rise a fraction of an inch off the surface, so that the machine floated on a cushion of air.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins