Definition

Noun: 1. A device used to fill something with air or gas: Specifically, a hand-operated pump used to inflate tires, balloons, or other inflatable objects. 2. (Computing, less common) A software component that decompresses data: A program or algorithm that reverses compression, restoring data to its original size.

Usage

The word "inflater" is a countable noun. It most commonly refers to a physical tool. The computing meaning is technical and less frequent. * As a tool: You use an inflater to add air. * In computing: The software uses an inflater to read the compressed file.

Examples

• Noun (Tool):
  • I keep a bicycle tire inflater in my garage for emergencies.
  • This portable inflater can pump up an air mattress in minutes.
• Noun (Computing):
  • The ZIP file utility includes an inflater to extract the documents.
  • The data stream requires an inflater algorithm before it can be processed.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate an inflater": To use a pump to add air.
  • He operated the foot inflater to fill the soccer ball.

Variants and Related Words

• Inflate (verb): To fill something with air or gas; to increase something, especially prices, disproportionately.
  • We need to inflate the balloons for the party.
• Inflation (noun): The action of inflating; in economics, a general increase in prices.
  • The inflation of the life raft is automatic.
• Inflater/Deflator (computing): Often paired terms for software that compresses (deflates) and decompresses (inflates) data.
  • The library provides both inflater and deflater classes.

Synonyms

• Pump: A device used to move gases or liquids. (This is a more general term.)
• Air pump: A pump specifically for moving air.
• Decompressor (for computing sense): A program that decompresses data.

Related Phrases

• Tire inflater: A specific type of pump for vehicle or bicycle tires.
  • The car's tire inflater plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.
• Foot inflater: A pump operated by stepping on it.
  • A foot inflater is useful when you need both hands free.

Noun

1. an air pump operated by hand to inflate something (as a tire)