compressed air

noun

1. air compressed, especially by mechanical means, to a pressure higher than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

compressed air

noun

1. air at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure: used esp as a source of power for machines

Word History and Origins

Origin of compressed air¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Don’t use a hair dryer or compressed air on your phone.

From Seattle Times

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

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

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

The compressed air starts to glow, and when it reaches a temperature of about 2,000 degrees Celsius, the solid material in the meteoroid starts to vaporize.

From Scientific American