a mechanical device that compresses gasses
"The refrigerator relies on an internal compressor to pump and compress gases, keeping the food cold."
A device that produces pressure, such as a gas compressor that produces pressurized gas.
"The industrial plant uses a large compressor to pump high-pressure air into the storage tanks."
In plain English: A compressor is a machine that squeezes air into smaller spaces to make it easier to store or use later.
"The compressor makes my car's air conditioning cold on hot days."
Usage: A compressor is any machine designed to increase the pressure of gases or liquids by reducing their volume. You will commonly encounter this term in contexts involving air conditioning systems, refrigeration units, and pneumatic tools.
The word comes from the verb compress combined with the suffix -or, which was first used to describe a device that compresses things. It entered English directly from New Latin rather than evolving organically within the language itself.