compressor
noun
Simple meaning
A device that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
kuhmprehserSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
kəmpˈɹɛsɚ
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
audiosound engineering
A device that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
A device that produces pressure, such as a gas compressor that produces pressurized gas.
A device that squeezes (compresses).
A mechanical device that compresses gasses
An instrument for compressing an artery (especially the femoral artery) or other part.
An apparatus for confining or flattening between glass plates an object to be examined with the microscope; a compressorium.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- B2 · Upper Intermediate (estimated)
- Frequency
- Moderately Common
- Formality
- Technical
- Typical Use
- Varies by meaning
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: (audio, sound engineering) A device that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.
Used this way, compressor is a specialist word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. This is an engineering use: it is a working term used for accuracy on the job.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Specialist/technical
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Specialized
- Connotation
- Clinical and technical
- Usage feel
- Technical and specialized
Where it naturally appears
- Technical/specialist writing
- Science
Usage note
In general conversation this sense usually needs explaining — outside its field, people reach for a plainer word.
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use compressor
- “The mechanic used an air compressor to inflate the tires.”
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Word family
Words built from the same root.
Capable of being compressed or made more compact.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
A compressor that takes in air at atmospheric pressure and delivers it at a higher pressure.
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Words can change meaning depending on context.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.