compressor
noun/kəmˈpɹɛ.sə(ɹ)/
Etymology From compress + -or, or from New Latin compressor.
7 senses
- 1A device that produces pressure, such as a gas…
- 2An instrument for compressing an artery (especially the…
- 3An apparatus for confining or flattening between glass…
- 4A machine for compressing gases, especially an air compressor.
- 5A device that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
- 6A muscle that compresses certain parts.
- 7A program or algorithm for compressing data.
A device that produces pressure, such as a gas compressor that produces pressurized gas.
› A device that squeezes (compresses).
An instrument for compressing an artery (especially the femoral artery) or other part.
An apparatus for confining or flattening between glass plates an object to be examined with the microscope; a compressorium.
A machine for compressing gases, especially an air compressor.
- The compressor is mounted adjacent to the fuel tank and provides compressed air for operating the locomotive brakes, control gear, sanders and warning horns.1958 June 23, “Main-Line Diesel-Electric Locomotives for the Eastern Region”, in Railway Magazine, page 394:
Audio, Electrical engineering, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A device that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
Sound engineering
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences A program or algorithm for compressing data.
- Derived terms
- compander, compandor, compressorless, microcompressor, supercompressor, thermocompressor, turbocompressor
- Related terms
- pressure