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Compressor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compressor

[kəmˈprɛsər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

machinery

A device that compresses air or gas in order to store it for later use or to increase its pressure for a specific application. Compressors are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and industrial processes.

Synonyms

generator, pressurizer, pump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compressor

Used in mechanical and engineering contexts to describe a machine that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.

  • The air compressor is essential for powering the pneumatic tools in our workshop
pump

Used in a variety of situations to describe a device that moves fluids or gases by mechanical action. Commonly found in household, industrial, and agricultural settings.

  • We had to replace the water pump in our well last year
pressurizer

Typically used in contexts involving maintaining the pressure of a fluid in a system, often found in chemical engineering or nuclear reactors.

  • The pressurizer ensures that the reactor coolant system remains at a stable pressure
generator

Commonly refers to a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, used in various settings including home backup systems and industrial applications.

  • During the power outage, the generator kept our lights and appliances running

Examples of usage

  • The compressor in the refrigerator keeps the food cold.
  • The air compressor in the workshop powers the pneumatic tools.
  • The compressor on the air conditioner helps regulate the temperature in the room.
Context #2 | Noun

computer technology

A software tool or algorithm that reduces the size of data or files, making them easier to store or transmit. Compressors are essential for efficient data storage and transfer in computer systems.

Synonyms

data compressor, file compressor, packer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compressor

General term for a device or software that reduces the size of data or objects. Could refer to various kinds of compressors, such as air compressors, used in machinery, or digital compressors used in software.

  • The technician repaired the air compressor in the workshop.
  • This audio compressor is perfect for stabilizing volumes in music production.
data compressor

Specifically refers to software or algorithms that reduce the size of digital data to save space or to speed up data transmission.

  • Using a data compressor can significantly reduce the size of your backups.
  • The software comes with an efficient data compressor to manage large files.
file compressor

A type of data compressor that focuses specifically on reducing the size of files. Commonly used to send large files over the internet or to save storage space.

  • You should use a file compressor to zip these attachments before emailing them.
  • The file compressor reduced the video size from 2 GB to just 500 MB.
packer

Usually refers to software that bundles or packages files together, often compressing them in the process. Often used in software development to prepare applications for distribution.

  • We used a packer to compile and compress all the project files.
  • The packer made it easier to deploy the software with all its dependencies.

Examples of usage

  • I used a file compressor to reduce the size of the images before sending them via email.
  • The video streaming service uses a compression algorithm to deliver high-quality videos over the internet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Compressors are essential in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to control temperature and airflow.
  • They are used in refrigerators to compress refrigerants, helping them absorb heat and cool the interior.

Science

  • In physics, gas compression occurs when gas molecules are forced closer together, increasing pressure.
  • This process is a key principle in thermodynamics, affecting energy efficiency in engines and refrigeration.

Industry

  • Pneumatic tools, like nail guns and spray guns, rely on compressed air provided by compressors for power.
  • The oil and gas industry uses large compressors to transport natural gas over long distances through pipelines.

Everyday Usage

  • You might find small compressors in tire inflators, allowing you to fill your car tires with air.
  • Sound compressors in audio editing reduce the volume of loud sounds while boosting quieter sounds, improving audio quality.

Origin of 'compressor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'compressus', meaning 'to press together'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 19th century, initially relating to machinery.

The word 'compressor' originated from the Latin word 'compressus', which is the past participle of 'comprimere', meaning 'to press together'. The concept of compressing air or gas dates back to the 17th century when early compressors were used in mining operations. Over time, the technology evolved, leading to the development of various types of compressors for different applications in industries such as manufacturing, refrigeration, and computing.

See also: compress, compressed, compressible, compression, compressors, decompress, decompressing, uncompress.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,212 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.