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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

"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."

From BBC

Some workers have already returned and are lifting a soft chair onto a compressor machine to get it ready to box and ship.

From BBC

It wasn’t easy: The half-ton compressor needed to drive the team’s large pneumatic drill was too heavy for their helicopter.

From Science Magazine