compressor
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a machine that squeezes air or gas to increase its pressure.
a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.
Simple“The mechanic used an air compressor to fill the car tires quickly.”
In context“The industrial refrigerator relies on a high-capacity compressor to circulate the refrigerant and maintain a constant sub-zero temperature.”
UsageOften used with 'air' or 'gas' as a compound noun.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a computer program that makes files smaller so they take up less space.
an algorithm or software utility used to encode information using fewer bits than the original representation.
Simple“I used a file compressor to make the video small enough to email.”
In context“The system includes a lossless compressor to ensure that medical images are reduced in size without any degradation of detail.”
UsageCommonly refers to both the software and the underlying algorithm.
SynonymsencoderAntonymsdecompressor - 03 C1 Advanced
a tool used in music to make loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder.
an electronic device or software plugin that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
Simple“The singer used a compressor to make her voice sound smooth and consistent.”
In context“By applying a subtle compressor to the drum track, the engineer managed to bring out the ghost notes without clipping the peaks.”
UsageFrequently used in the context of music production and broadcasting.
Synonymslimiter - 04 C2 Proficiency
a muscle in the body that squeezes a part or an organ.
a muscle that serves to compress a specific part or organ of the body.
Simple“The doctor explained how the compressor muscle helps control blood flow.”
In context“The compressor naris is a small muscle of the nose that serves to depress the cartilage and flatten the nostril.”
From compress + -or, or from New Latin compressor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.