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. 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

A new study calculates that U.S. oil and natural gas wells, pipelines and compressors are spewing three times more methane as the government thinks.

From Los Angeles Times

His current specialty is powered equipment: generators, mowers, compressors and pretty much anything else with a motor.

From Seattle Times

But for Chris specifically, I remember he had this Shellac 7-inch where the insert was like their recording setup, with a drawing of every microphone and every compressor.

From Los Angeles Times

When it’s cold outside, the process is reversed: Heat from the chilly outdoor air is extracted and delivered indoors with the help of refrigerants and a compressor.

From Seattle Times

When the compressor rises, it reveals Apple’s latest commodity: the updated iPad Pro.

From New York Times