compressor

American  

[kuhm-pres-er] / kəmˈprɛs ər /

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.

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compressor British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of compressor

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

Example Sentences

The outside air can be used to boil the refrigerant, allowing the cycle to repeat: the compressor squeezes it and makes it super-hot again, ready to heat more radiator water.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“Our high-level thesis is we could build the best compressor out there using the latest and greatest technology,” said David Tearse, chief executive of Karman.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

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 • Dec. 2, 2024

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

From New York Times • May 8, 2024

He could sit on a round compressor at the end of some hoppers, his feet dangling just above the train wheels.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario