compressor

noun

com·​pres·​sor kəm-ˈpre-sər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: one that compresses: such as
a
: a muscle that compresses a part
b
: a machine that compresses gases

Examples of compressor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But advancements in compressor technology over the last five years have addressed that issue. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2024 The Shadow Hills mastering compressor from Brainworx. Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024 Technology has advanced enough that the average compressor is now protected when switching back and forth. The Indianapolis Star, 28 Feb. 2024 By controlling the compressor motor’s speed, and improving the timing of when vapor is injected into the compressor, engineers have made heat pumps more efficient in colder temperatures. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2024 The cost of constructing a vacuum tube, a maglev system, a linear motor and a compressor is estimated to be billions of dollars. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2024 This type of heat pump is unique in how each unit provides both heating and cooling, with no separate outdoor compressor, said Gigawatt cofounder Belinda Gilbey. Detroit Free Press, 24 Jan. 2024 The residents claimed that their drinking water had been contaminated by a leaking natural gas compressor station, resulting in cancer and other illnesses. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023 On the other side of the country, in Augsburg, west of Munich, MAN Energy Solutions is repurposing compressors, typically used to transport oil and gas, for large-scale carbon capture projects and building the biggest heat pump system in the world in the city of Esbjerg in Denmark. Hanna Ziady, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compressor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compressor was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near compressor

Cite this Entry

“Compressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compressor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

compressor

noun
com·​pres·​sor kəm-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: a person or machine that compresses
an air compressor

Medical Definition

compressor

noun
com·​pres·​sor -ˈpres-ər How to pronounce compressor (audio)
: one that compresses: as
a
: a muscle that compresses a part
b
: a machine that compresses gases

More from Merriam-Webster on compressor

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