compressor

/kəmˈprɛsər/

/kəmˈprɛsə/

Other forms: compressors

A compressor is a type of pump that provides power by increasing the pressure on air or another gas. Most gas stations use compressors to provide air for their customers to fill their tires.

Compressors are used in a wide variety of ways. Pneumatic power tools, like nail guns, have built-in compressors, as do tools used for spray-painting cars, dental instruments, and even the machinery used to make artificial snow at ski resorts. When this term was first used, around 1785, it referred to a specific surgical instrument, from the Latin root comprimere, "to squeeze."

Definitions of compressor

1. noun

   a mechanical device that compresses gasses
   types:

   air compressor

   a compressor that takes in air at atmospheric pressure and delivers it at a higher pressure

   supercharger

   compressor that forces increased oxygen into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine

   type of:

   mechanical device

   mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles