Word
Definitions
01mechanical gas pump
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical
n. a machine that squeezes air or gas to increase its pressure.
n. a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.
“The mechanic used an air compressor to fill the car tires quickly.”
“The industrial refrigerator relies on a high-capacity compressor to circulate the refrigerant and maintain a constant sub-zero temperature.”
Usage
Often used with 'air' or 'gas' as a compound noun.
Synonyms
02data reduction software
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a computer program that makes files smaller so they take up less space.
n. an algorithm or software utility used to encode information using fewer bits than the original representation.
“I used a file compressor to make the video small enough to email.”
“The system includes a lossless compressor to ensure that medical images are reduced in size without any degradation of detail.”
Usage
Commonly refers to both the software and the underlying algorithm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03audio volume control
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical
n. a tool used in music to make loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder.
n. an electronic device or software plugin that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
“The singer used a compressor to make her voice sound smooth and consistent.”
“By applying a subtle compressor to the drum track, the engineer managed to bring out the ghost notes without clipping the peaks.”
Usage
Frequently used in the context of music production and broadcasting.
Synonyms
04anatomy
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a muscle in the body that squeezes a part or an organ.
n. a muscle that serves to compress a specific part or organ of the body.
“The doctor explained how the compressor muscle helps control blood flow.”
“The compressor naris is a small muscle of the nose that serves to depress the cartilage and flatten the nostril.”
Real-World Examples
“Most of the dehumidifiers tested here are compressor dehumidifiers , so they work a bit like a fridge, compressing and then expanding a refrigerant to cool a metal coil.” “There are several ways to cool things off , but the most common method is using a compressor and refrigerant.” Etymology
From compress + -or, or from New Latin compressor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/compressor
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0