compressor

[kuhm-pres-er]

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.

compressor

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compressor¹

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

Example Sentences

They came up with a new plan to blow the valve open from a distance using an air compressor, and began to search for one in the jumbled mess of the nuclear plant.

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

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

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

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"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."

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