noun
compressor
kum-PRESS-er/kəmˈpresər/
A device reducing the volume or range occupied by something.
The compressor squeezes air into a tank for the pneumatic tools.
Etymology
The pieces name “that which presses together,” making the word suitable for a device that squeezes material. The gas-machine sense developed through air compressor, where pressing air together raises its pressure.
In context
a reciprocating compressor that's what that looks like right there and then you have on the outlet of the compressor high pressure high temperature vapor refrigerant
More examples
- An audio compressor reduces the difference between loud and quiet passages.
- This file compressor makes large documents take up less storage space.
- The shop uses two compressors to supply its air tools.
Forms
compressor · compressors
compress verb — To reduce something's volume, size, or range.
compression noun — The reduction of something's volume, size, or range.
Similar words
- pump
- A pump moves fluids but need not compress them.
- compactor
- A compactor compresses solid material rather than gas or data.