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. Compare expander ( def 2 ).

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. See compander, expander
   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

Some people are sensitive sleepers and will easily awake when their air conditioner cycles between on and off as the compressor adjusts to maintain the room temperature setting.

From Popular-Science

Proprietary artificial-intelligence software that runs the compressor “learns” how much support is best for your level of skiing.

From Outside Online

You can optimize your images and make them weigh less by using an image compressor such as ImageOptim.

From Search Engine Watch

Powered by its onboard air compressors, ARB’s air lockers are invisible to a vehicle’s stock systems and can be switched on or off at any speed with the simple press of a button.

From Outside Online

The guts of a turbofan engine are complex, but major components include the low-pressure turbine, the high-pressure turbine, the core, and the compressor.

From Popular-Science

So we got a compressor and we would literally pump air into each of the four cameras so we could blow water off the lenses.

From The Daily Beast

Each box in the cabinet is equipped with a spring compressor which holds the contents in place.

From Project Gutenberg

This motor operates a two-stage air compressor in conjunction with a storage tank.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a two-stage steam air compressor, compressing air to from 90 to 100 ℔ per sq. in.

From Project Gutenberg

At what speed should the compressor be run to obtain the best results?

From Project Gutenberg

The compressor will not start promptly after the pin valve seats.

From Project Gutenberg