# compressor

/kəmˈpɹɛsɝ/ (US) · /kəmpɹˈɛsɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/compressor
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. mechanical gas pump

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a machine that squeezes air or gas to increase its pressure.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. data reduction software

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a computer program that makes files smaller so they take up less space.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. audio volume control

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a tool used in music to make loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. anatomy

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a muscle in the body that squeezes a part or an organ.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The compressor makes the air conditioner work.
- The technician checked the compressor to see why the fridge was not cooling properly.
- Modern heat pumps rely on efficient compressors to move thermal energy from the cold outdoors into the warm interior of a building.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.