air compressor
- noun
- /ɛr kəmˈprɛsər/
- A powerful air compressor can make using pneumatic tools much more efficient on a construction site.
- air compressor and vacuum pump
- rotary air compressor
Examples
-
Among the items missing are two air compressors, a cellphone, and a Nintendo Wii system with video games.
Blog text (14) -
The 750 Series air compressor and vacuum pump features a patented recessed inlet valve and tapered-piston seal.
Academic text (1994) -
I bought my air compressor there.
-
So we are going out and we're selling and maintaining large industrial air compressors that are expensive critical assets for the plants.
-
There are wall outlets in the bed, a built in air compressor, a bed that folds all the way down.
-
The CA Series line of air compressors is for heavy-duty automotive and industrial applications.
Academic text (2005) -
I bought a 21-gallon 3HP air compressor 2 years ago.
Blog text (8) -
Also down here is the air compressor and the cart with some consumables for the angle grinder and so on.
-
You also have an air compressor to pump up a tire in case you have a tire issue while you're driving around in your Batista.
-
Each vessel carries 90-100 scuba tanks and an air compressor and also supplies the masks, regulators, fins, and bags for the divers.
Academic text (1996)
Synonyms
A machine that increases air or gas pressure by making its space smaller
A machine with a spinning part that increases air pressure to help engines work better
How Powerful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound 'air compressor' is directly and transparently compositional: it denotes a 'compressor' that acts on 'air', so its meaning can be derived from the constituent words. This are-noun + device-noun pattern is common across languages and follows standard English noun-modifier composition, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.
Etymology
Air compressor comes from a simple image: a machine that squeezes air into a small tank so it becomes stronger. The part compressor means 'something that squeezes', which is why an air compressor is used to 'power' tools or 'inflate' tires.