compressor

[ kuh m-pres-er ]
/ kəmˈprɛs ər /

noun

a person or thing that compresses.
Anatomy. a muscle that compresses some part of the body.
Surgery. an instrument for compressing a part of the body.
a pump or other machine for reducing volume and increasing pressure of gases in order to condense the gases, drive pneumatically powered machinery, etc.
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).

Origin of compressor

First recorded in 1745–55; compress + -or2

Words nearby compressor

compression ratio, compression syndrome, compression wave, compression-ignition engine, compressive, compressor, comprimario, comprise, comprize, compromis, compromise

Example sentences from the Web for compressor

British Dictionary definitions for compressor

compressor
/ (kəmˈprɛsə) /

noun

any reciprocating or rotating device that compresses a gas
the part of a gas turbine that compresses the air before it enters the combustion chambers
any muscle that causes compression of any part or structure
a medical instrument for holding down a part of the body
an electronic device for reducing the variation in signal amplitude in a transmission system Compare expander, compander

Medical definitions for compressor

compressor
[ kəm-prĕs′ər ]

n.

A muscle that causes compression of a structure upon contraction.