decompressor
|de-com-press-or|
🇺🇸
/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛsər/
🇬🇧
/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛsə/
undo compression
Etymology
'decompressor' originates from English, formed from the verb 'decompress' (itself from Latin elements 'de-' + 'comprimere'), where 'de-' meant 'off/away' (removal) and 'comprimere' meant 'to press together'; the agent suffix '-or' comes from Latin meaning 'one who/that which'.
'decompressor' changed from the verb + agent-suffix formation in Modern English: Latin 'comprimere' -> Old French 'comprimer' -> Middle/Modern English 'compress', with the prefix 'de-' added to create 'decompress'; the specific noun 'decompressor' (especially in computing) emerged in the 20th century alongside data-compression technology.
Initially, related formations primarily referred to physically releasing or reducing pressure; over time the term broadened, and in modern usage it commonly denotes software that reverses data compression as well as mechanical pressure-relief devices.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device or computer program that restores compressed data to its original form (opposite of a compressor).
The decompressor restored the archive to its original size and file structure.
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Noun 2
a mechanical device or valve that reduces or relieves pressure (e.g., in diving or pneumatic systems).
The technicians fitted a decompressor to the tank to prevent overpressure.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 14:52