pump
/pʌmp/ · pump
noun
- A device for forcing fluid through a pipe, such as a heart or a machine. The heart is a pump that circulates blood throughout the body.
- A device for raising water or other liquids from a lower level to a higher level, such as a water pump. The well pump brought water from the underground aquifer to the surface.
- A device for compressing air or gas, such as a pneumatic pump. The compressor pump inflated the tire to the recommended pressure.
verb
- To force fluid through a pipe, such as by pumping blood through the heart. The doctor pumped blood into the patient's arm to stabilize their blood pressure.
- To raise water or other liquids from a lower level to a higher level, such as by pumping water from a well. The farmer pumped water from the well to irrigate the crops.
- To compress air or gas, such as by pumping air into a tire. The mechanic pumped air into the tire to inflate it to the recommended pressure.
transitive verb
- To move or force something through a pipe or channel, such as by pumping oil through a pipeline. The company pumped oil through the pipeline to the refinery.
Did you know? The word 'pump' has been used in various contexts, including in the phrase 'pump iron', which originated in the 1960s and refers to weightlifting or bodybuilding.