compressor
UK: kəmˈprɛsə | US: kəmˈprɛsər
n. a machine or device that compresses gas or air
n. (audio) a device that reduces the dynamic range of a signal
n. (biology) a muscle that compresses a body part
The word "compressor" originates from Latin comprimere ("to press together"), combining com- (intensifying prefix) and premere ("to press"). The suffix -or denotes an agent or tool, forming a noun meaning "a device that compresses." The term evolved through French compresser before entering English in the 17th century, initially describing physical compression tools and later expanding to technical (e.g., audio) and biological contexts.
The factory uses a large compressor to pump air into storage tanks.
Audio engineers adjust the compressor to balance sound levels in recordings.
The abdominal muscles act as a compressor during heavy lifting.
A broken compressor caused the refrigeration system to fail.
The scuba diver checked the compressor before filling the oxygen tanks.